Mogadishu, Somalia — Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari commenced the much anticipated presidential elections in Mogadishu's Police Academy, Garowe Online reports.
Speaker Jawari began the voting after delays in the presidential elections which were supposed to convene at 12 pm but were delayed until 3 pm MP Maryan Khalif Qassim was the second person to vote.
In attendance were the transitional process frontrunners from the international community such as UN Special Representative to Somalia Augustine Mahiga, Ambassador Boubcar Diarra, the Special Representative of the AU Commission for Somalia.
The first round of voting former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed lead the voting count with 64 votes and close behind was Hassan Sheikh Mahamud who had 60 votes.
Former Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas had 32 votes but stepped down after the first round of voting.
After the announcement by Gaas he stated that, "Somalia needs change."
Abdiqadir Osoble who was in fourth place also resigned before entering the second round of voting.
The second round of voting will commence shortly as the surprise newcomer Hassan Sheikh Mahamud holding his own with the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The two Hassan and Sharif Ahmed will be battling for the coveted spot of president of Somalia the country will be moving into a recognized government.
According to local sources, Hassan is a prominent businessman with support from regional governments.
Somalis across the world are watching in anticipation as the country will finally end the 8 year transitional government after Monday's election.
"I just hope that the next president works for the country instead of his pocket," said Omar Yusuf a Galkayo resident.
Garowe Online will continue covering the elections as the second round of voting is set to begin shortly.
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