Somalia MPs will elect a new president on Somalian soil for the first time in years. (Google Images)

BBC News is reporting that Somalia’s parliament is in the midst of electing a new president in another step to end a decades long war. The newly elected MPs have convened at a police academy in Mogadishu for the secret ballot. There are 22 candidates vying for the presidency and the winner will lead the country for the next four years.

For the first time in years, voting will take place on Somalian soil, which speaks to the growing stability of the war-ravaged country. In spite of being driven out of Mogadishu by African Union troops and pro-government forces, al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab, which still controls many southern and central parts of the country, has staged frequent suicide attacks.

Current Islamist President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, in power since 2009, is regarded as one of the favorites among the 22 candidates.

Read more at BBC.

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