Somalia’s presidential election slated for early February has attracted 24 candidates with 16 holding dual citizenship.

Ceoafrica gathered that the election will mark a turning point for the country that has not seen stability since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991.

From the look of it, it appears to be the most contested elections in Somalia. The candidates who all are male had to pay a fee of $30,000 (£23,000) and also get signatures from at least 20 members of parliament.

For the first time, parliamentarians who were elected by selected citizens will elect the president.

The top contenders include President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud , a former president, and two previous prime ministers. 

For many Somalis, the election represents yet another opportunity to rebuild their country after 26 years of endless civil war.