Somali PM Roble meets regional leader over election amid deadlock

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bid to find a way of holding elections in time, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble continues with his shuttle diplomacy across the country, meeting with various stakeholders to forge a way forward, following a stalemate that has threatened integration.

The country was set to start elections last month but various underlying factors have led to the delay, which has seen several political actors call for dialogue, but which doesn't seem to be forthcoming. The international community has been calling for compromise from both parties.

Already, the government has, however, indicated that it will go on with elections as planned, but the decision has triggered a lot of questions from political elites especially those in opposition. The team insisted that elections cannot be done in sections of the country and exclude others.

And Roble, who is tasked to be in charge of the exercise, met Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlaawe, who was elected in November, where they held robust talks on the upcoming elections. They also discussed matters of development and security.

The Somalia PM Mohamed Roble said: "I discussed with President Ali Guudlaawe Hussien of Hirshabelle the political updates in the country, accelerating the electoral process, ensuring security and development programs in Hirshabelle."

The government intends to hold elections in Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmadug where the leadership is "friendly". However, elections in Puntland and Jubaland are likely to be delayed after the two states raised a number of issues which they called for urgent actions.

Earlier, Roble had pledged to implement policies and regulations on the ranking of civil servants. Actually, it's these civil servants the opposition accuses of being used in the electoral process with an aim of rigging in President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

"The government of Somalia is committed to implementing policies and regulations for ranking and grading of civil servants with reviewing, assessing and reforming of the pay and grade structures of government employees, which is a proper step to the right direction," he noted.

GAROWE ONLINE