Swearing-in of MPs to go on as planned in Somalia - Int'l partners

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The much-anticipated swearing-in of new legislators in Somalia should go on as planned, international partners have said, adding that the remaining seats can be filled as organizers continue to put everything in place ahead of the April 14 deadline.

This now means much focus will be put on the swearing-in of MPs rather than the filing of the remaining vacant seats.

In a statement, the international community urged regions that are yet to complete Lower House elections to embrace consensus for the sake of stability in Somalia.

For elections of speakers of the bicameral legislature and the president, stakeholders have urged leaders to embrace consensus. In Somalia’s electoral process, elected legislators of both the Lower House and Senate are supposed to elect a president.

"It is vital that arrangements for this final stage of the electoral process enjoy strong endorsement across the political spectrum and deliver a result that all accept as legitimate," read the statement, which also called for proper location of polls to ensure security.

The partners regretted irregularities recorded during the polls, including cases of blocking some candidates from participating in the exercise.

"We deeply regret the many electoral irregularities observed across the country and the disappointing failure to achieve the 30 percent quota for women’s representation in parliament required by the 17 September 2020 agreement," the statement read.

"We hope to see more women elected as the remaining seats are concluded in Hirshabelle and Jubaland. Following the election, Somalis must redouble efforts to ensure that women are included as full participants and play a leading role in national decision-making across all areas of society."

Somalia’s leaders, they further said, can then address other urgent national priorities, such as responding to the devastating drought and building the country’s security and prosperity.

GAROWE ONLINE