Britain warns against further delays in Somalia elections

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Kingdom now wants Somalia leaders to reach a consensus over the pre-election standoff, arguing that the country cannot afford to delay elections, which are basic constitutional minimums in any democratic transition for any country around the globe.

Somalia is just four days shy from the final day in office of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, whose term expires on Feb 8 according to the constitution. In fact, the term of the federal parliament has long expired but the country is yet to hold elections.

Ben Fender, the British envoy to Somalia, now says the country has no option but to reach a consensus for the sake of stability in the Horn of Africa nation. The British envoy said Somalia's problems can only be fixed internally, ruling out intervention from external actors.

The envoy further warned those sabotaging the process, adding that there is a need for both sides to reach a compromise for the sake of the stability and prosperity of Somalia. He is one of the envoys who has been pushing for consensus among stakeholders.

"History will judge harshly anyone who holds the country hostage for their personal interests," said the UK ambassador Ben Fender, who was speaking on Somalia's elections impasse, which has been going on for almost a year.

The country, he said, failed to organize a democratic election but insisted that the clan-based model that was agreed upon by the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States in September should be implemented as an alternative to beat the deadline.

"Democratic processes are what we always want but we failed to achieve it. It's time those stakeholders reach compromises and implement the September agreement. This is the only way we can be able to move forward as a team in the country."

Currently, the federal government of Somalia leaders under President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo are meeting member state leaders in Dhusamareeb, the regional administrative capital of Galmadug. It's anticipated that a deal will be reached.

GAROWE ONLINE