Election commission boss in Somalia accuses FMS of interference

The Chairman of Somalia's Electoral Commission, Mohamed Hassan Irro [File Photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal member states are now being accused of trying to interfere with upcoming parliamentary polls in Somalia, following differences within the Federal Electoral Committee, which is yet to come up with rules of engagement.

FIET chairman Mohamed Irro has accused unnamed state leaders of fueling differences within the committee, following accusations by a section of the team that new electoral regulations were in violation of agreed electoral practices.

While responding to the accusations, Irro told the media that regulations were endorsed by all members save for one official who dissented. It's not clear why the official dissented despite the initial agreement.

“There is pressure from the regional administrations on the commissions, which they have appointed, in violation of the commission’s independence and the transparency of the elections,” the interim chairman told the media in Mogadishu.

According to him, some regional leaders were pressing the individuals they appointed to the Federal Indirect Elections Team (FIET) to act in their ‘own interests’. Each FMS was allocated two seats in the FIET and the Conflict Resolution Mechanism.

On Tuesday, sections of the FIET members fired at Irro over what it termed as procedures that are ‘inconsistent with the team’s core mandate. The statement further warned the Chairman that he would be held liable for every mishap that might occur during the elections if he chooses to implement the procedures regardless of their grievances.

The borne of contention is traced to new regulations by FIET which lock FMS presidents in the selection of delegates who will elect MPs. Unlike previous procedures, the Irro team is now leaving the exercise to clan elders and civil society groups only.

Somali leaders had signed an agreement on May 27 to allow the elections process, and since then, some states have started conducting senatorial elections. However, the rules of engagement are yet to be established on conducting parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has called for a meeting between FMS and FGS in Mogadishu to discuss the grounds for parliamentary polls. The meeting is set to kick off today [Thursday] and Roble is expected to chair it.

It's anticipated that a number of traditional elders will sit and determine delegates who will participate in the elections of MPs. After the MPs are picked, both the Lower House and Senate will elect the president of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE