Hassan Sheikh Dismisses Agreement as Opposition Charts Future Moves in Somalia’s Voting Stalemate

Hassan Sheikh Stands Firm as Opposition Charts New Course in Somalia’s Election Standoff

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has turned down efforts to end the electoral gridlock, leaving discussions with opposition leaders in a deadlock.

Monday’s talks zeroed in on disagreements surrounding changes to Chapter Four of Somalia’s provisional constitution. These amendments have been blasted as unconstitutional by a slew of federal member states and opposition leaders. Insiders from the meeting revealed the president remained steadfast in rejecting any proposals, sticking to the current electoral setup, including procedures and election commissions at both the national and regional levels.

That said, Mohamud hinted he might put forth a suggestion to parliament for the public to directly elect members of the lower house, though maintaining the president would still be selected by parliamentary vote.

With no resolution in sight, both parties parted ways without any agreement. That night, opposition leaders huddled together to form a trio tasked with drafting a statement to assert their stance on the failed discussions and to propose recommendations for Somalia’s political trajectory.

This breakdown occurs amid escalating political and security issues, stirring unease among local and global stakeholders.

— Axadle