ODM’s Jamal Abdi wins Batalu ward mini-poll
Mr Jamal Abdi of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is the new MCA-elect of Batalu Ward, Wajir North Constituency, Wajir County.
Mr Abdi was declared winner on Thursday morning after garnering 1647 votes to beat Jubilee’s Adan Ibrahim idhow who got 1069 votes.
The seat had been hotly contested as the area Member of Parliament Ahmed Abdisalan, Wajir County Senator Abdullahi Ali and other powerful individuals were seen taking part in the campaign.
Speaking at the tallying center after the result was announced, Jamal congratulated his supporters , the people of Buna-Batalu ward and the IEBC officials for conducting a peaceful, free and fair election. He also assured the public that his leadership will be of beneficial to all regardless of the candidates they voted for.
” many thanks to God, Wajir North leadership and to all who supported me throughout the Court and Campaign period. I also wish to appreciate all the voters for coming out in large numbers and voting for me, will never take your efforts for granted” Said Mr Jamal.
Batalu ward seat felt vacant after Court overturned the election of the former Member of the County Assembly Ibrahim Noor Hussein owing to irregularities and illegalities that marred the August 7, 2017 election in a legal battle that dragged for almost 2years.
Former MCA of Batalu ward, Ibrahim Noor Hussein of the Party of Development and Reforms (PDR) party has withdrawn from the race 2 weeks to the by-election in what he termed as peace’s sake.
Wajir North MP Ahmed Abdisalan who also spoke at the tallying center congratulated the MCA elect Jamal Abdi and praised the people of Batalu ward for portraying high sense of political maturity throughout the campaign period and the election day.
Mr Jimal Abdi Hassan who was the second with 946 votes in 2017 Batalu ward election and the main petitioner that led the nullification of the election of the former lawmaker Ibrahim Noor Hussein will now serve as Batalu Member of the County Assembly for the remaining period.
The tallying begun at around 7PM on Wednesday at Buna secondary school. The number of votes casted totals up to 2724 with 58.8 percent turnout. Batalu ward has 12 polling stations and 4690 registered votes.
