section_path: Qualifications and election
section_name: Qualifications and election
paragraph_text: Qualifications and election
  
  To become the president of Somalia, the candidate must:
  
  (a) Be a Somali citizen and a Muslim;
  
  (b) Be not less than forty years of age;
  
  (c) Have relevant knowledge or experience for the role;
  
  (d) Be sound of mind; and
  
  (e) Not have been convicted by a court of a major crime.
  
  The election of the president must begin at least 30 days before the incumbent president's term expires or 10 days after the presidency falls vacant and must be completed within 30 days of the beginning of the election. Candidates must be declared to the parliament's bureau within the first 10 days of this period, and elections must be completed within the remaining 20 days.
  
  Formerly, the president was elected by the members of the Somali Parliament, requirements, and who are eligible to become members of Parliament.