MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United Kingdom has called for the swift implementation of the agreement ahead of the elections on 17 September in Somalia, adding that the political leadership must ensure the success of the planned dialogue to start in the country.
According to James Duddridge, who is the British Minister for Africa, the country will hold elections according to the model agreed in 2020, adding that the Baidoa recommendations should also be introduced.
The statement comes at a time when the international community is trying to media the political crisis in the country despite deep divisions that put incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the opposition.
“The United Kingdom emphasizes the urgent need for Somali leaders to meet and reach consensus on the conduct of the electoral process, in line with the model adopted on 17 September and the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Committee on 16 February,” the statement read. .
Somalia, Duddridge noted, cannot afford to hold parallel electoral processes or partial elections. The United Kingdom further warned of the extension of the terms following the expiry of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s terms.
“The United Kingdom does not support actions that lead to a partial or parallel electoral process or the automatic extension of previous mandates,” Duddridge noted in the latest political swamp.
“In the interests of the Somali people and our collective interests in Somalia’s security, development and growth, we urge Somalia’s leaders to overcome the stalemate, engage in constructive dialogue and hold inclusive and credible elections as soon as possible,” he said.
AXADLETM
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