MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al Shabaab militant group has called on its followers to kill clan elders, officials and lawmakers taking part in the parliamentary election and to attack polling venues.

Voting for the 275-seat parliament starts on Sept. 25 and ends on Oct.10.

Lawmakers will be chosen by clan elders and sworn in on Oct. 30.

The lawmakers will then choose a president.

Somali authorities and international sponsors had to scrap a plan for each person to get a vote, largely due to security challenges as the Western-backed government is still battling the hardliner insurgency.

Al Shabaab, which frequently attacks government targets, wants to topple the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is seeking re-election.

“Attack all places where election preparation goes on… Kill anyone who participates in the so-called election,” Ali Mohamud Rage, the group’s spokesman, said in audio posted online late on Monday.

The election is part of efforts to rebuild a nation that has been shattered by two decades of war and chaos.

Rage said it was not legitimate as it was backed by non-Muslims.

“Somalia’s election will take place as planned without fear,” said Abdifatah Omar, spokesman for the local government of Mogadishu, adding security had been tightened in the city.