We are brothers beyond elections, says Somali president

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo insists that unity and development should remain major issues of concern for Somali people, adding that their spirit and commitment should not be deterred by divergent political opinions centered around scramble for power.

For the last seven months, the country has been charged with a pre-election mood, which has seen political bigwigs accuse one another of conspiracy to delay elections. Farmajo is serving his first term and he's keen to seek a second term once his tenure expires in November.

But the issue of the electoral model has divided the country's leadership in the middle, with Farmajo at first rallying for a one-person-one-vote model. However, his competitors insisted that the model will pave way for unprecedented term extensions.

And on Friday, the Somali leader, however, asked politicians and citizens to look beyond elections, arguing that the electioneering period should not divert the people of Somalia from issues affecting them. Every leader, he added, is important in pushing for the country's progress.

“We are brothers beyond elections. Our progress as a nation will no longer be deterred by the electioneering period. Every leader counts, every input towards our election is truly valuable," Farmajo, who has previously been termed as divisive, said in a rare statement.

Somalia has never held democratic elections since 1969 and in recent years, clan elders have been deciding on the leadership of the country. Under the 4.5 model, the elders have been choosing Members of Parliament who once elected pick the president of the country.

But the model has been subjected to immense criticism with a number of stakeholders terming it "porous and unreliable". According to analysts, the model at times paves way for election of Al-Shabaab sponsors and sympathizers to the government.

However, a fortnight ago, a number of leaders in the country settled on the Constituency Caucus model which would be more inclusive. Under the model, at least 301 people would decide who becomes MP after which the winner participates in elections of a president.

“We have reached an electoral agreement with the leadership of FMS and BRA which we hope will pave the way for free, fair, multi-party, and timely elections. We extend a brotherly hand to those who are yet to join us," Farmajo said after the historic deal, which has since been endorsed by the US.

Puntland and Jubaland leaders are expected to meet Farmajo in Mogadishu soon even after boycotting the Dhusamareb III conference. Presidents Said Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe said early last week that their Mogadishu trip will involve "consultation" on the way forward for Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE