Somalia: Cracks emerge over the swearing-in of the MPs

MOGADISHU, Somalia - It might take a little bit longer before newly elected Lower House members are sworn-in as the exercise almost nears a conclusion in the federal republic of Somalia, it has now emerged, following the latest differences between the electoral team and a number of states.

By Tuesday, Galmadug, Southwest, Somaliland, and Banadir region had completed the electoral exercise, which had been delayed for over a year. The country was supposed to complete elections by March last year but internal differences marred the exercise.

The United States, which is a major financial partner of the Horn of Africa nation, congratulated states which had concluded the exercise and asked those that are yet to complete the exercise, to do so within the next few days.

Initially, the exercise was set to be concluded on March 15 but the deadline has already been overtaken by events. Jubaland and Hirshabelle are experiencing internal wrangles while Puntland is set to conclude the exercise on Friday.

But the swearing of the MPs could be delayed after Southwest and Galmadug rejected the new timelines issued by the electoral team, insisting that the National Consultative Council should first agree on the steps before swearing-in is done within the confines of the constitution.

The federal elections chief announced on Tuesday that the final results of parliamentary elections in the country should be announced on March 31, adding that the newly elected MPs should get their certificates between April 5-10.

The swearing-in ceremony of MPs is supposed to take place on April 14. So far, 236 seats have been filled with 39 seats remaining, and stakeholders have already warned those who are linked to the delays which have caused rifts in the past.

Galmudug and Southwest states rejected the FEIT statement on the schedule of the inauguration of the 11th parliament, saying it is a decision that lies in the hands of the National Consultative council - the Federal States and the central Government. 

The US embassy in Mogadishu and the council of the presidential candidates have voiced support for FEIT timetables for the swearing-in of the MPs.

US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre earlier this week accused politicians of dragging the electoral exercise, noting that the procrastination has brought about increased Al-Shabaab attacks within the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE