Hiiraan Online
Monday, April 4, 2016
DJIBOUTI (HOL) – Djibouti is edging closer to presidential elections which due to take place this month, as supports for the incumbent president Ismail Guelleh held their final rallies across the country Monday.
Thousands of Djiboutians, mostly wearing green shirts emblazoned with Mr. Guelleh’s face on the front held their last rally in Ali Sabih, a remote town in Djibouti.
Speaking to his jubilant supporters, Mr. Guelleh vowed this he government would now prioritize an economic improvement for the impoverished horn of Africa if he’s elected to lead the country for the fourth time.
“It will be a defining moment for our nation – prosperity and improving our people’s livelihoods will be a main priority.” He said, wearing a green hut and t-shirt.
Elsewhere, supporters for six rival candidates vying for the tiny horn of Africa nation’s highest position have also help separate rallies across the country in the hope of swaying voters to their camps.
Djibouti’s ruling party earlier selected the long-serving president as its candidate running for the upcoming presidential elections in January, following his announcement that he would run for the presidential elections, ‘considering’ calls from his supporters who he said urged him to lead the country for the fourth time.
Mr. Guelleh maintained a firm grip over power in Djibouti, as rights groups often accuse his government of silencing opposition politicians and journalists. Some of the opposition leaders were also chased to exile.
Elected as the President in 1999, Mr. Guelleh succeeded Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who had ruled Djibouti since independence in 1977.
He was re-elected in 2005 and again in 2011; however, his re-elections were largely boycotted by the opposition amid complaints over widespread irregularities.
Elections have taken place in Djibouti in every six years since the country’s civil war ended in the 1990s.