Mursal blamed for pushing for term extension amid poll crisis in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal is reportedly pushing extension of the term of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, in yet a move that has triggered divisions in the country, contrary to provisions of the constitution.

The term for the current administration elapsed on February 8 but the country is yet to hold elections, despite plans to start regional and national polls in December last year, following the September 17 pre-election deal.

According to Abdullahi Nor, a federal MP who was among the 15 who were suspended from attending parliamentary sessions, Speaker Mursal told the team that the September 17 pre-election deal cannot hold waters, adding that there is a need for term extension.

"With my colleagues anti-extension MPs during our meeting with speaker Mursal, he clearly expressed that he believes the 17 Sep. The agreement is dead since the timeline has expired by 7 Feb. and the only option left is two years of extension," he said in a tweet.

Currently, the country's leadership is meeting at the Halane Base Camp as they struggle to reach a consensus, following pressure from the international community and other stakeholders who are concerned with Somalia's future.

Farmajo is said to be secretly pushing for term extension, a move that has been resisted by several stakeholders, especially the political class. He's come under immense pressure, with some leaders dismissing him as a dictator.

"A president who claims to be a messiah and here to save Somalia; Media propaganda led by the Somali National TV and social media farm trolls;
Using the military and intelligence as his private militia; The prevalence of HR violations," said Abdirizak Mohamed, a federal MP.

GAROWE ONLINE