Mogadishu (SD) – Somali Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled said the next election, expected to take place in early 2021, will see his party victorious in the first round, with no ambiguity as he addressed a students at the National Theater.

Mahdi Guled cited the recent elections in the semi-autonomous regions of Galmudug and HirShabelle as an example, and said he believes that what happened there will take place in the general elections in the country.

“The member states of the federal government are good enough example for you. President Abdiaziz Laftagareen won by a majority in the first round. Again, we know Galmudug. Qoor-Qoor won by a majority, we know in HirShabelle, Ali Gudlawe came in on the first round. 2020/2021 will also be the first round re-election, so let’s not doubt it.” said Mahdi Guled, to student gathered from Mogadishu schools at the National Theater.

Mahdi Guled responded to a recent statement by Kenyan Vice President William Ruto, who said they look forward in dealing with a in new Somali government. He said Kenya wants to see a manchurian candidate win the next election, but pointed out that era ended.

Mahdi Guled’s statement comes at a time when opposition candidates have objected to the government-appointed election commissions and are expected to convene in Mogadishu to discuss how to proceed