Hassan Sheikh confirm first session of parliament will take place on December 15

“The first session of the Parliament will take place on December 15, as planned.” Hassan Sheikh said in statement.

So far, more than 240 MPs have been elected. The Somali parliament consists of 275 MPs.

The newly elected Somali parliament members will elect Somalia’s next president on December 28, according to the statement issued after Somali political leaders met last week in Mogadishu.

Outgoing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, who elected in 2012, is standing for re-election.

Other strong rivals include Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.