Friday October 27, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland Regional State President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has expressed his support for Marwa Abdi Bashir Hagi, a federal lawmaker from Somalia, who is running for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Marwa Abdi Bashir Hagi, who represents Puntland in the Somali Parliament, is vying for the position against three female candidates from African countries. The election to choose the 31st President of the IPU is set to take place today in Luanda, Angola.
The four female candidates from African nations in the running are Ms. Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté from Senegal, Ms. Catherine Gotani Hara from Malawi, Ms. Tulia Ackson from the United Republic of Tanzania, and Ms. Marwa Abdi Bashir Hagi from Somalia.
Marwa Abdi Bashir has been a member of the Somali Parliament since 2022 and also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Resources Committee, with over 15 years of experience working with government agencies.
While there were reports that the Somali government withdrew from the competition, Marwa confirmed her candidacy in an interview with local channels on Thursday.
The IPU President serves as the political head of the organization, presiding over its statutory meetings and representing the organization at major global events. The President is elected for a three-year term and must remain a sitting Member of Parliament throughout their presidency.
This marks the first time a Somali MP has participated in a Presidential election race, signalling Somalia's return to the international stage as it seeks to reclaim its position.