The Himilo Qaran Party calls on leaders to steer clear of extending terms while the NCC meeting is underway.

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia’s Himilo Qaran party is sending out a clarion call to the country’s leaders: steer clear of political maneuvers that could deepen the ongoing turmoil, especially when it comes to extending governmental terms.

Helmed by former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the opposition faction laid out a seven-point statement this Thursday during a gathering in Mogadishu. This declaration emerges as the National Consultative Council (NCC) continues its powwow with top brass from federal and regional levels.

The party particularly cautioned against giving regional officials more time in office, hinting such moves are a power play by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “We stand firmly against prolonging terms for any elected body at whatever level,” the document proclaimed. “The influence of the President on regional affairs needs to cease, and Article 120 of the constitution, which empowers regional bodies to conduct their own elections, must be respected.”

Additionally, Himilo Qaran implored the federal authorities to zero in on resolving ongoing political scuffles and battles across various territories and to bolster the national defense mechanisms.

With the NCC conference now rolling into its third leg, there’s a buzz about regional leaders whose tenures have reached their twilight, with dissenting voices clamoring for punctual election schedules. They’re cooking up plans to ensure the ballot count turns up roses.

Edited by: Ali Musa

Axadle international–Monitoring