UN backs Somalia parliament, calls for reconciliation

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MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations has backed reopening of Somalia Parliament which had been out of session for a couple of months, pledging to support the institution that now holds the future of the Horn of Africa nation.

The joint sitting of Senate and Lower House was opened by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Saturday at Villa Hargeisa, a session which was full of drama and chaos, but ended with a reconciliatory tone by the Head of State.

In a statement, the UN envoy to Somalia James Swan hailed MPs for convening the session, arguing that it would ensure continuity in parliament work. The session was interrupted by COVID-19, which has continued to wreak havoc in the country.

While acknowledging challenges engineered by the pandemic, Swan said that the UN "remains committed to supporting your work as you begin this important session".

Somalia's international partners, he argued, are keen to ensure the legislature advances pressing national issues, which would determine the future of the country, which has been also battling against violent extremism and inter-clan conflicts.

Some of the issues which will be deliberated include the upcoming elections, amendments to Political Parties Law, and consideration of the report of the joint ad hoc committee on the Electoral Law, as well as the presentation by the National Independent Electoral Commission, he said.

The model of elections, representations for Banadir and Somaliland, and delimitation of boundaries have been among topical issues that the house will determine by the end of this month. NIEC will also issue the election calendar on June 27 according to the House Business Committee.

"Honourable Members, Somalia is at a critical juncture, and the work of the Federal Parliament will determine Somalia’s path to democracy and stability for many years to come," said Swan, who is UN Secretary General's representative in Somalia.

"We urge you to conduct your work in the spirit of inclusivity, drawing in voices from across the political and social spectrum, and giving prominence to the views of women, minority groups, and those who have historically lacked representation," he added.

On Saturday, President Farmajo appeared to endorse universal suffrage polls, which if held, would become the first in the country since independence. The traditional clan-based system, he added, has been a recipe for chaos and persistent electoral disputes.

But the opposition has previously cautioned against the model, arguing that the time left would not allow the country to do proper voter registration among other essentials for preparations, calling for the adoption of a clan-based model as a compromise before shifting of the model in future elections.

Aware of the internal intrigues, Swan called for reconciliation between the FGS and federal states, adding that consensus will be indispensable before the elections, which are tentatively slated for December this year.

"Unity of purpose among Somalis is indispensable as the country traverses this arduous and delicate period," said the envoy in his statement, which was issued shortly after the joint sitting.

"I wish to express my appreciation for your work and encourage you to bring all stakeholders together, to foster reconciliation, build consensus on national priorities and contribute to addressing the challenges facing the country," he added.

GAROWE ONLINE

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