MOGADISHU, Somalia – Members of the international community welcomed the progress made in holding free and fair elections in Somalia, arguing that the plan has been fully implemented so far in accordance with the original agreement.
The country has launched the long process of selecting the leaders, who will lead the country for the next four years. Already, senatorial elections have started across the country, with Jubaland becoming the first state to choose senators.
In a statement, members of the international community said progress had been made so far, adding that it was important for the exercise to end without much wrangling in the next two months.
“Progress has been made in the implementation of the May 27 accord signed by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the Presidents of Federal Member States (FMS) and call on the FMS to organize elections to the Upper House without delay. , which was due to begin on July 25, “read the statement.
“Among recent examples of progress: an updated electoral calendar has been adopted. Most of the electoral management bodies have now been formed and have chosen their leaders. The mandated FMS ministerial committee held consultations in Garbaharrey,” he added.
There has been a controversy over the Jubaland elections, which has been the epicenter of disputes between incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who accuses Farmaajo of trying to seize Gedo of Jubaland.
“A first meeting of the Election Security Committee has been called. The Prime Minister has appointed goodwill ambassadors to promote the 30% quota for women. The upper house elections have started in Jubaland. The National Advisory Council has held regular meetings and dialogue. These are laudable achievements. said the partners.
“We urge that the remaining work to conclude the electoral process proceed swiftly and in the same spirit of consensus. Urgent priorities include more detailed preparations for electoral security, clarity on measures to ensure 30 percent representation of women in parliament, and resolution of the dispute over the pending election management committee.
The country will conclude the exercise on October 10 this year in a presidential election. MPs will vote for the president in accordance with the country’s constitution and choose between Farmaajo and nearly 15 other candidates.
AXADLETM
