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Somali PM to vie for presidency in October polls

Xinhua, September 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke on Monday announced his candidature for the presidential elections slated for October.

Sharmarke, who was elected into office late 2014, promised to revive the economy and restore peace by wiping out Al-Shabaab militants from their major strongholds in the Horn of Africa nation.

"I decided to announce today my candidacy for Somalia president and participate in the coming election. If elected, I will revive the country's economy and establish strong army to restore peace," the prime minister told journalists in Mogadishu.

The prime minister said he is the best candidate who can lead Somalia to a more stable and prosperous period.

He also promised to create more employment for the youth and make them more productive to participate in the nation building.

Sharmarke once served as Somalia's prime minister in 2009 under the then President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. He then resigned following political differences between him and the president.

He is now tasked with delivering Somalia's Vision 2016 that includes establishment of federal states, referendum on the country's draft constitution, integration of national forces and elections.

About 10 key politicians, including incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former transitional federal government president, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, are expected to compete for presidency. Endit