Eleven members of the South West State presidential election coordination committee have resigned. The members, who include the Chair and deputy Chair of the 13-member team tasked to oversee the regional presidential elections scheduled for 17th this month, resigned in a huff on Monday. Their resignation is linked to the clearance of ex Al-Shabaab deputy leader, Mukhtar Robow, to participate in the race.
According to sources, the members resigned in protest over the clearance of former Al-Shabaab second in command to vie for presidency. In their considered opinion, Mukhtar Robow, ought to be locked out of the polls “because it is unconstitutional” for him to participate in the exercise. Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansour among his supporters, was issued with a certificate of clearance on Monday amid stiff opposition by some election coordination committee members.
Other unconfirmed reports say the incumbent South West President, Sharif Hassan Adan, had bowed out of the race to instead push for the candidature of Robow. The latest development is a big blow to the already tense situation surrounding the regional presidential elections. Some candidates have previously accused federal government leaders of direct interference in the polls.
