Int'l partners laud Somalia's election progress

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Members of the international community have lauded the progress made in holding free and fair elections in Somalia, arguing that the plan has been perfectly implemented so far according to the initial agreement.

The country has kicked started the long process of choosing leaders, who will lead the country for the next four years. Already, senatorial elections have kicked off across the country, with Jubaland becoming the first state to pick senators.

In a statement, the international community members said that progress has been made so far, adding that it's important for the exercise to conclude without many squabbles in the next couple of months.

"Progress has been made in implementing the 27 May Agreement signed by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the Federal Member State (FMS) presidents and call on the FMS to organize without delay the Upper House elections, which were to have started on July 25," read the statement.

"Among recent examples of progress: An updated electoral calendar has been adopted. Most election management bodies have now been constituted and have chosen their leaders. The mandated FMS ministerial committee held consultations in Garbaharrey," it further read.

There are efforts to end controversy on elections in Jubaland which has been the epicenter of differences between Farmajo and Ahmed Madobe, who accuses Farmaajo of attempts to grab Gedo from Jubaland.

"An initial meeting of the Election Security Committee was convened. The PM appointed Goodwill Ambassadors to promote the women’s 30 percent quota. Upper House elections have started in Jubaland. The National Consultative Council held regular meetings and dialogue. All these are laudable achievements," the partners said.

"We urge that remaining work to conclude the electoral process advance quickly and in the same spirit of consensus. Urgent priorities include further detailed preparations for electoral security, clarity on measures to secure 30 percent women’s representation 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 compliance with the constitution of the country and would pick between Farmaajo and close to 15 other contestants.

GAROWE ONLINE