“We are ready for an election release dialogue,” said Prime Minister Roble
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The room for dialogue on the forthcoming elections in Somalia is open, said Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble under pressure from both the opposition and the international community, calling for all-inclusive talks that could end the current election turmoil.
Somalia was scheduled to start the three-month electoral process from this month, but delays have shaken the exercise and further created avenues for a protracted political crisis that could create the instability that has long affected the Horn of Africa.
On Monday, Roble, who is tasked with holding elections in the country, said his team is ready for negotiations so that a common solution can be found for the best for the country. His team, he added, was ready to sit down with those who had complaints.
The prime minister, who took over in September after Hassan Ali Khaire, noted that he has held meetings with the international community and civil society, adding that he is determined to ensure that the country holds peaceful elections once all sides have reached compromise.
“I have had meetings with representatives of the international partners in Somalia and members of civil society on holding peaceful elections. I urge that together we maintain peace and stability, “said Roble, who has been under pressure to facilitate dialogue for all stakeholders.
“I am ready to sit down with anyone who has a complaint about the election,” he added, referring to the opposition team, which has accused the government of frustrating efforts for the country to conduct free and fair elections.
Already, the Association of Presidential Candidates, consisting of 14 people, has called for dialogue on the stalemate. The union has also accused the government of using police and special forces to quell protests against President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in recent weeks.
There have been calls to dissolve the nomination committee due to allegations that most of the elected people are close associates of the president. However, the government has often rejected the allegations, arguing that the election will be free and fair.
AXADLETM
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