GAROWE (SD) – At least three supporters of Somalia’ s planning minister, Jamal Hassan have been arrested in Garowe town after Puntland forces barred the supporters from receiving the minister at the airport in Garowe town.

According to sources, the minister who hails from Dhahar town of Sanaag region has flown this morning from Somali capital to kick off his political campaign ahead Somalia’s lower house elections.

The security forces reportedly attempted to block the minister from leaving the airport for his constituency.

Jamal, who is close to the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo will be seeking to be re-elected by his sub-clan in Dhahar in the upcoming Lower House elections.

The horn of African nation is expected to kick off the election of the Lower House late this month.

The process involves the selection of 27,775 delegates from the sub-clans who will then elect the 275 MPs.

On Wednesday, Somali prime minister has held talks with the leaders of the regional states over the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Office of the Prime Minister said the meeting conducted via video conference discussed progress in the ongoing elections and preparations for the Lower House elections.