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((INTRO))
[[Somalia has elected a new president after a prolonged election impasse that nearly pushed the country into conflict. Somali parliamentarians elected former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to replace Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Farmaajo. Mohamud has assumed office and faces daunting tasks as he pledges to steer the country toward peace and reconciliation. Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu.]]
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/ScriptSOMALIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION REAX (TV)
HEADLINE: Somalis in Mogadishu Optimistic about New Leadership
TEASER: The daunting task ahead for the elected president includes fighting corruption.
PUBLISHED AT: Tuesday, 05/17/2022 at 858p
BYLINE: Mohamed Sheikh Nor
DATELINE: MOGADISHU
VIDEOGRAPHER: Mohamed Sheikh Nor
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Salem Solomon, LR, MAS
VIDEO SOURCE (S): All VOA Original
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT:
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: There is an accompanying radio piece. Fresh quotes sent by Nor via email))
((INTRO))
[[Somalia has elected a new president after a prolonged election impasse that nearly pushed the country into conflict. Somali parliamentarians elected former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to replace Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Farmaajo. Mohamud has assumed office and faces daunting tasks as he pledges to steer the country toward peace and reconciliation. Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu.]]
((NARRATOR))
Somalia’s 2022 presidential elections attracted 39 candidates and after three rounds of voting by 328 MPs and Senators, former President Mohamud emerged victorious in the final round with 214 votes, more than enough to defeat incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Farmaajo.
Mohamud has returned to power after serving as president from 2012 to 2017.
((Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia (In Somali 14 secs))
“It is the privilege of the outgoing president to hand over power, the same way I handed over power, and the Somali population has the same right and privilege as well; I thank you all and Peace of Allah be upon you all.”
((NARRATOR))
In Mogadishu, residents celebrated with the anticipation of a better future. The new administration has its priorities with corruption being a key challenge.
((Abdirahman Nur Mohamed, Former Somali Ambassador (In Somali 18 secs))
“The president must fight corruption, among other priorities including being a responsible and trustworthy leader, who must serve as an example of virtue for the entire government, to ensure that the country is free of corruption.”
((NARRATOR))
Supporters are hoping Mohamud’s experience will gives him an advantage in tackling Somalia’s problems. Ahmed Dini, a founding member of the Somali Peace Line organization, an organization that works for conflict resolution, believes the new president will make good use of his second chance in the office.
((Ahmed Dini, Somali Peace Line Organization (In Somali 11 secs))
“As the new president, he has the advantage of having already ruled the country, so he understands where we have stagnated and where we have improved.”
((NARRATOR))
On the streets of Mogadishu, people expressed optimism about Mohamud’s leadership, with many seeing him as one who deeply understands the country’s history and complexities.
((Mohamed Ahmed, Mogadishu Resident)) (In Somali 14 secs))
“While in office from 2012 to 2017 he made great strides in creating federal state institutions and now he has achieved a great deal so far, so we expect him to complete the remaining work; we are confident in him and trust him."
((NARRATOR))
Mohamud has received notes of congratulations and pledges of support from world leaders. In a brief speech, he promised to unite the country and work together with all levels of government.
((Mohamed Sheikh Nor, For VOA, Mogadishu, Somalia))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)MOGADISHU
Embargo DateMay 17, 2022 17:27 EDT
Byline((Mohamed Sheikh Nor, For VOA, Mogadishu, Somalia))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English