“The approval of Prime Minister Shirdon by the Somali legislature is further incontrovertible evidence of progress in Somalia,” said Mahiga.

Mahiga further commented that Parliament embodies the aspirations of all the Somali people and its overwhelming endorsement of the new Prime Minister signals an encouraging start of cooperation and confidence between two important arms of government.

“The United Nations Political Office for Somalia recognizes that by approving the new Prime Minister the Federal Parliament has cast a vote of confidence in the new leadership. I call on the new Prime Minister to appoint without delay a new Council of Ministers. There is much to do and little time to waste, added Mahiga”

The UN special representative for Somalia pledged to work in partnership with the new Prime Minister and his new government on the country’s new priorities and urgent needs as expressed in the Six Pillars outlined by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The new PM received the support of all the 215 members of parliament present.

After his endorsement, the new Prime Minister promised to form reforms-oriented cabinet in the coming days. The new cabinet will then have to also seek parliamentary approval before coming to existence.