Somali leaders arrive in Garowe ahead of forum amid electoral row

GAROWE, Puntland - Several leaders have gathered in Garowe, the capital of Puntland state, for a conference, organized by the Heritage Institute of Policy Studies based in Mogadishu.

Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire are some of the top leaders who arrived on Sunday-Monday in Garowe with opposition candidates and senior government officials as well as parliament leadership. 

The forum for ideas hopes the leaders to have a robust discussion on how to move Somalia out of the decades-long transitional period to one person, one vote election in 2025.

Galmudug President Ahmed Qor Qor and his Jubaland counterpart Ahmed Madobe are also in Garowe. The government leaders and opposition candidates are expected to talk about the 2020/21 elections and the dispute over the electoral commission.

The union of the 14 presidential candidates has been calling for the disbandment of the election body which was picked by the federal government, arguing that it comprises of individuals who are loyal to President Farmajo with others believed to be agents of the spy agency, NISA.

Although the government has repeatedly denied the claims, the opposition has vowed not to participate in the polls until their demands are met.

The country which faces a potent security threat from Al-Shabaab was set for elections this December but the delay seems inevitable due to prevailing circumstances.

GAROWE ONLINE