Somalia: Turkey Fears ‘Foreign Manipulation’ in Electoral

Turkish ambassador to Somalia Olgan Bekar has received Omar Mohamed Abdulle, the chairman of the Somalia’s electoral commission at Turkish embassy building in Mogadishu on Thursday, October 27.

During their meeting, Turkey ambassador and the chairman Somali electoral commission have discussed a range of issues pertaining to the forthcoming Somalia’s presidential and legislative elections, including financial and security challenges in the election.

According to a statement posted on the official Facebook account of the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu, ambassador Olgan Bekar has voiced concern over possible ‘foreign manipulation’ in Somalia’s electoral process.

For his part, Somali election commission Omar Mohamed Abdulle (Dhagey) has assured Mr Bekar that they are committed to hold “transparent, fear and credible election.” scheduled in November 30, 2016.

The incumbent Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud whose term has expired in September 10, is among dozens of candidates vying for the post of president, who will be elected by new lawmakers.

It seems that Turkey is currently out of the foreign countries that are involved in the electoral process of Somalia. Turkey is facing stiff rivalry from UAE in Somalia, where both countries have economical and military interesst.

In June, 2016, Turkish government has opened a new embassy built at Liido beachfront in Mogadishu, becoming the largest and most advanced Turkish embassy in African continent.

Turkey has provided Somalia millions of US dollars’ worth of aid, investment and infrastructure rebuilding since 2011. The harbor of Mogadishu and the main airport are run by Turkish companies under a profit-share deal with Somali government.