By Betty Luke
The Somali Community elders in Isiolo have started vetting aspirants for various political seats as campaigns for 2022 general elections gain momentum.
The elders, from the 10 Somali sub-clans, Saturday undertook nominations for Bulapesa and Burat MCA aspirants.
Each of the clans was represented by three elders (delegates) who cast their votes through secret balloting during the event that took place in Isiolo town.
In Burat contest that had attracted four aspirants; Anab Kassim, Mohammed Barre Ahmed, Mohammed Hussein Dima and Mohammed Abbas Sheikh, Mr Barre won with 12 votes while the trio got six votes each.
Bulapesa contest was contested by aspirant Jamal Ahmed Bolti who alleged interference with the process and bribery of some of the elders who participated in the exercise.
A commotion ensued as his supporters stormed the meeting shortly after he walked out alleging biasness halting the exercise for several minutes.
Mr Jamal garnered seven votes against Ismael Jama Sufi’s 23 votes.
Somali Council of Elders Isiolo Chairperson Shariff Abdullahi said all the aspirants including those seeking to deputise gubernatorial aspirants must undergo the vetting process before getting greenlight to represent the community.
Those who miss out on the slots, he said, will be considered for nominations and appointments in the incoming government.
“Those vying for Governorship and willing to work with us must assure us that our people (those who lose the vetting) will be considered and they will be our priority,” Mr Abdullahi said.
Mr Sufi and Mr Barre were issued with certificates to vie for the MCA seats with majority of their competitors voluntarily agreeing to support them.
“I am so happy that our elders considered youths. This shows they have confidence in young people and I will not let the community down,” Mr Barre said.
Bulapesa MCA aspirant Jamal Ahmed with his supporters during the protest of Somali Council of Elders MCA nominations in Isiolo town. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
Tens of Jamal supporters milled outside the venue and discredited the elders verdict saying the final decision was with the electorates.
Mr Hussein Yasi accused the elders of imposing a candidate who does not understand Bulapesa issues on them instead of going for the one who have been available to listen to their concerns.
“You cannot impose someone who has not been around to us. Bulapesa is locked and under key and the key holder is Jamal,” one of the supporters said.
Mr Yahye Yasin disagreed with the decision saying Mr Sufi should be ready to face it off with Mr Jamal at the ballot.
“How can they pick someone we have never seen around?” Zainab Qalicha posed.
Mr Jamal said the votes were with the voters and was determined to winning the seat in 2022 general elections.
“Let us meet at the ballot. Residents are the ones to decide. We have no confidence in the elders,” the aspirant said.
Whether or not the elders will reconsider the decision and open platform for listening to the petitions from dissatisfied aspirants, only time will tell but such scenarios are likely to cause discord in the community.
Mr Jamal is perceived to be among the strong candidates for the highly contested seat which has attracted more than 30 aspirants from across all communities living in Isiolo.
