Nominations end for Somalia's presidential race

A parliamentary committee has concluded the nominations process for presidential candidates in Somalia.

It is a highly contested poll, with 39 candidates vying for the presidency in the restive horn of Africa nation.

Key candidates include the current president, Mohamed Abdullahi "Farmaajo", and two former presidents.

The state president of the autonomous region of Puntland, as well as a former MP, are also contesting.

The race is likely to be between the current leader and his predecessors.

Only one woman, Fawzia Yusuf Adam, is in the running.

Candidates will deliver their campaign speeches to parliament on Wednesday and Thursday, ahead of elections on Sunday in the capital Mogadishu.

More than 300 MPs will vote for the president, who will govern for the next four years.

The elections suffered several delays, complicated by insecurity and infighting between different key political figures.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: AFP