IIEC warns candidates against early campaigns

By Adow Jubat

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission has warned candidates vying for the Wajir South parliamentary seat against violating electoral rules.

Speaking at Habswein town two days after seven candidates were cleared to vie for the seat, local IIEC Co-ordinator Abdi Sheikh warned them against premature campaigns.

"We are concerned that some candidates have started premature campaigns, causing unnecessary anxiety. We have warned the aspirants and their political parties to respect the electoral laws," said Sheikh.

He also urged the aspirants to avoid hate campaigns during their hunt for votes. He said any candidate found campaigning before the official campaigning period, which begins on September 22, will be guilty of abusing the electoral laws and stern action would be taken.

Call for peace

Meanwhile, the immediate former Wajir South MP Abdirahman Ali Hassan of Kanu said the by-election would prove his popularity.

Mr Hassan, who was first elected in 2002, also called for peaceful campaigns to avoid fuelling animosity among the various communities.

He said he was confident of returning to Parliament with a landslide victory, citing his prudent use of CDF money.