Somali leaders sign revised election agreement, elections to be held

Somali leaders sign revised election agreement, elections to be held within two months

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Delegates will elect constituency representatives for the next sixty days following an agreement signed on Thursday by the federal government and federal government, in what now resolves the current electoral support in the country.

Somalia has been embroiled in a pre-election stalemate that has led to a delayed election for over four months now, but pressure from the international community and the opposition has borne fruit after intensive negotiations in the capital Mogadishu.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, whose term expired on February 8, had given Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble a mandate to negotiate for the country’s stability, and the prime minister’s efforts have been repaid following the signing of the deal.

The agreement, drafted by Prime Minister Roble, says the country will adopt an improved clan-based model, which will see more delegates vote for MPs, who would eventually elect a president.

All five leaders, Banadir Governor Omar Filish, Farmajo, members of the international community and opposition leaders led by former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud witnessed the grand ceremony.

During the announcement of the deal, Prime Minister Roble praised the presidents, the Banadir leadership and members of the federal government for compromising the country’s leadership, democracy and stability.

“Several days of negotiations between FGS, FMS and the Benadir region in the spirit of responsiveness, compromise and consensus have, in the interests of the nation and the people, culminated in a mutually acceptable solution to national electoral support,” he said in a tweet.

“I would like to commend the Presidents of the Federal Member States and the Governor of Banadir who have really shown a great deal of flexibility, compromise, patience and leadership that has enabled us to resolve outstanding issues in a short period of time,” he added.

Farmajo was accused of being an existential threat to efforts to unlock the deadlock in the country, and his recall may have given the exercise a lifesaving. The lower house had also revoked its decision to extend Farmajo’s term.

But Roble, who took over in October 2020, acknowledged the support of Farmajo and added that it was his decision to make concessions that led to the signing of the historic deal, which is a revised September 17 before the election.

“I would also like to acknowledge the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Farmajo, for his efforts in the electoral process and for the concessions he made that led to the agreement we are celebrating today,” he said.

In the Gedo crisis, leaders agreed to hold a parliamentary election in Garbaharey, one of the most controversial issues in the September 17 pact, and the Prime Minister’s Office will lead reconciliation in the region before the vote, while AMISOM police will be responsible for security, the deal read .

In his introductory remarks, Prime Minister Rooble noted that he will work to achieve the 30% quota for women and advised the leaders of the federal Member States to secure it in their respective elections.

Said Abdullahi Deni from Northeastern State spoke on behalf of fully represented states. Initially, Northeastern State and Jubaland had threatened to withdraw from the talks, accusing the Mogadishu leadership of “dishonesty and sincerity”.

According to the ceremony schedule, the meeting was to open at 9 am, but it was delayed due to Senate President Abdi Hashi’s refusal to attend due to disputes over the Nomination Committee’s members from Somaliland. Abdi Hashi was later persuaded to attend the conference by a section of opposition leaders.

The Prime Minister of Somalia will be responsible for following the elections in Somaliland, the agreement reads. Speaker Abdi Hashi will appoint four members of state election committees, a federal election committee and the resolution of a dispute committee member with Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Gulaid enjoying the same privileges.

Members of the international community have already welcomed the agreement, and Britain has called it “timely and necessary for the Somali people”. The European Union has also issued a similar statement, claiming that the deal is now based on contentious issues for the benefit of people.

AXADLETM

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