Somalia's int'l partners give conditions for 2020/21 polls, endorse winner-takes-all model

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Mogadishu- The Federal Government of Somalia has been tasked to fulfil a host of pre-election agreements ahead of much anticipated 2020/21 polls.

Somalia is expected to hold the polls despite slow progress in the enactment of election law, although the international community is satisfied with the progress.

In a statement released on Thursday, international partners have exuded confidence in preparations, following a series of meetings with stakeholders.

"The partners took stock of progress and commended these Somali authorities for the election-related tasks accomplished to date," reads the statement.

For the elections to be smooth and credible, the partners said, FGS and other stakeholders ought to respect the constitution and ensure polls are held early without extension of terms for Parliament and Executive.

To ensure equal representation, they said, parties should guarantee a minimum of 30 per cent representation for women in the Federal Parliament

'One person one vote' model where virtually all Somalis are given an opportunity to pick their preferred candidates should be embraced, they said.

Stakeholders and FGS, the partners said, should ensure leaders elected enjoy legitimacy and respect the electoral board for the sake of peace.

"Result in peaceful election of leaders who have broad legitimacy, and 

Respect the mandate of the National Independent Electoral Commission," the statement further stated.

By the end of 2019, the partners have urged, Parliament should complete the adoption of the Electoral Bill and the revised Political Parties Law which would guide the much anticipated polls.

They also asked all stakeholders and institutions in Somalia to set aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue for the sake of peace.

Although the task could be tough, the partners have however pledged to give both technical and financial support for implementation of various agreements before the polls.

"The partners will continue to provide support to the electoral process and stand ready to offer technical expertise to the relevant Somali authorities," they said.

While the partners and a section of stakeholders have already endorsed the winner-takes-all model, a section of opposition leaders have cast doubt on it.

For instance, Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur recently said the model would led to illegal extension of parliament given unpreparedness of state agencies.

Both the international community and Somalia people are keen to deliver credible elections, a move that could lead to much desired stability in the country.

There are also talks between the opposition and President Mohamed Farmajo, with timely polls being one of the agenda.

Opposition team has previously accused the government of being "non-committal" on matters to do with polls. UN envoy James Swan has been integral in the preparations for 2020/21 polls.

Among the partners that endorsed need for early polls include UN, AMISOM, EU, Ethiopia, Kenya, Germany, Denmark and the US.

GAROWE ONLINE 

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