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Somali lawmakers expected to elect new president | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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DJIBOUTI (AP) – Somali lawmakers are expected to elect a new president in an attempt to stabilize a country wracked by anarchy for nearly two decades.

The country’s parliament is meeting in neighboring Djibouti and the vote is expected later Friday.

Islamic insurgents have taken over most of Somalia, including the parliament seat in Baidoa. The president will be chosen by a new assembly that includes moderate Islamist opponents.

The last president resigned in December after failing to pacify the country.

Somalia, a nation of about 8 million people, has not had a functioning government since warlords overthrew a dictator in 1991 and then turned on each other. Pirates see its lawless coastline as a haven.