US calls for immediate dialogue over election stalemate in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US has now called for immediate dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States, a move it now says will help to solve the "remaining" part of the electoral stalemate, which has literally grounded preparations for elections in the country.

Despite signing a pre-election deal last year, stakeholders in Somalia have been wrangling over the timetable of elections and those to serve in the electoral committee, something that has hindered efforts to strike a compromise, which has been advocated for by members of the international community.

In a tweet endorsing the resolution by international partners, Washington urged President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to consider calling for dialogue which would help iron out a few underlying issues that have affected plans to hold elections in the country.

Farmajo, the US added, should bring on table Jubaland president Ahmed Madobe, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Hirshabelle president Ali Guudlaawe, Lafta-Gareen of Southwest, and Galmadug leader Ahmed Kariye alias Qoor-Qoor for the sake of unity.

"We urge Farmaajo, Said Abdullahi Deni, Ahmed Madobe, Qoor-qoor, Ali Guudlaawe, and Laftagareen to resolve outstanding issues now to enable the peaceful elections that the Somali people deserve. No partial elections or parallel processes" read the tweet.

The Federal Government of Somalia had endorsed partial elections in the country which were vehemently opposed by the opposition which insisted that the move was a "recipe" of rigging elections in favor of Farmajo.

On Thursday, Jubaland and Puntland released names of electoral committee members months after resistance, but the federal government seemed to disown the names.

Earlier, the international community also endorsed a proposal for Somalia leaders to urgently convene a meeting, adding that it would help to resolve the remaining electoral implementation issues in order for credible and inclusive elections to proceed.

"The partners call for a single agreed electoral process – without parallel or partial alternatives – that will be conducted peacefully with the protection of political space and media freedom, guarantees the 30 percent women’s quota, and results in a credible and inclusive outcome that serves the national interest," read the statement.

"Holding timely, credible elections is a vital element of the partnership between Somalia and the international community. International partners urge all Somali leaders to make fair compromises necessary to ensure credible elections."

According to the initial calendar, the country is supposed to hold presidential elections on February 8. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is facing stiff opposition from former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire among others.

GAROWE ONLINE