Somali leaders sign revised electoral deal, elections to be held within two months

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Delegates will pick representatives in constituencies within the next sixty days after a deal signed on Thursday by the federal government and federal states leadership, in what now resolves the topical electoral impasse in the country.

Somalia has been embroiled in a pre-election stalemate which led to a delay of elections for over four months now, but pressure from the international community and the opposition has yielded fruits, following intensive negotiations in the capital Mogadishu.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo whose term expired on Feb 8, had mandated Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to arrange negotiations for the sake of stability of the country, and the efforts of the Prime Minister have been repaid following the signing of the deal.

The deal, which was worked by PM Roble says the country will adopt an improved clan-based model, which will see more delegates vote for MPs, who would eventually elect a president.

All the five states leaders, the governor of Banadir Omar Filish, Farmajo, members of the international community, and opposition leaders led by former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud witnessed the grand ceremony.

While announcing the deal, PM Roble hailed the presidents of the states, the Banadir leadership, and members of the federal government for striking compromises for the sake of the country's leadership, democracy, and stability.

"Several days of negotiations between the FGS, FMS, and Benadir Region in the spirit of responsiveness, compromise and consensus have, in the interest of the Nation and people, culminated in a mutually acceptable solution to the national electoral impasse," he said in a tweet.

"I would like to commend the Presidents of the Federal Member States and the Governor of Banadir who have truly shown a great degree of flexibility, compromise, patience, and leadership that has enabled us to resolve outstanding issues within a short period of time," he added.

Farmajo had been accused of being an existential threat to the efforts to unlock the impasse in the country, and his recusal may have given the exercise some lifeline. Lower House had also rescinded its decision to extend Farmajo's term.

But Roble, who took over in October 2020, acknowledged the support from Farmajo, adding that it's his decision to make concessions that led to the signing of the historical deal, which is a revised September 17 pre-election deal.

"I would also like to acknowledge the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Farmajo for his efforts in the electoral process and for the concessions he made that led to the agreement we are celebrating today," he said.

On the Gedo crisis, the leaders agreed to hold a parliamentary election in Garbaharey, one of the most contentious issues on the Sep 17 pact, and the PM's office will lead a reconciliation in the region before the vote while AMISOM police will be in charge of the security, the deal read.

During his opening remarks, Prime Minister Rooble noted that he will be working on attaining the 30% quota for women and advised the Federal Member State leaders to secure that in their respective elections.

Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland spoke on behalf of states which were fully represented. Initially, Puntland and Jubaland had threatened to pull out of the talks, accusing the Mogadishu leadership of "dishonesty and insincerity".

According to the ceremony schedule, the meeting was scheduled to open at 9 am but it was delayed due to Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi's refusal to attend due to disputes over election committee members from Somaliland. Abdi Hashi was later persuaded to participate in the conference by a section of opposition leaders.

The Somali PM will be in charge of observing the Somaliland election, the agreement read. Speaker Abdi Hashi will appoint four members of the state-level electoral committees, one federal-level electoral committee, and the resolution of one dispute committee member with Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Gulaid enjoying the same privileges.

Already, members of the international community have welcomed the agreement, with Britain terming it "timely and necessary for Somali people". The European Union has also issued a similar statement, arguing that the deal now rests on contentious issues for the benefit of people.

UN envoy for Somalia James Swan has urged the leaders to swiftly conduct a peaceful and transparent election without a further deal and highlighted the importance of media freedom.

GAROWE ONLINE