Somali Polls Critical for East Africa - Analyst

Acoording to the country's election schedule, parliamentary elections both for Upper and Lower Houses will run from December 1 to 27, 2020, while presidential elections will be held on February 8, 2021. Otieno Joel, a peace and development professional and researcher write for the East African that, the next president needs to be one who will focus on achieving security priorities, particularly containing the Al-Shabaab. Other than familiarity with the everyday politics in Somalia, the next president should be one who understands and is committed to the key development needs of the country; building unity, creating stronger institutions, steering socio-economic development, and achieving national cohesion. These priorities are not only critical to the reconstruction process of Somalia, they are also central to the peace, security, and stability of the Horn of Africa region.