"We are ready for dialogue on election standoff," says PM Roble

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The room for dialogue over the upcoming elections in Somalia is open, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has said, amid pressure from both the opposition and the international community, who are calling for all-inclusive talks that can end the current electoral quagmire.

Somalia was set to start the three-month electioneering process from this month but delays have rocked the exercise, further creating avenues for a protracted political crisis which can bring about the instability that has for a long time affected the Horn of Africa nation.

On Monday, Roble, who is tasked with the duty to hold elections in the country, said his team is ready for talks so that a common solution can be found for the best interest of the country. His team, he added, was ready to sit down with those having complaints.

The PM who took over in September from Hassan Ali Khaire noted that he's been holding meetings with the international community and the civil society, adding that he's determined to ensure the country holds peaceful elections once all sides reach compromise.

“I have had meetings with representatives of the International Partners in Somalia and civil society members on holding peaceful elections. I call on that we together maintain peace and stability," said Roble, who has been under pressure to facilitate a dialogue for all stakeholders.

"I am ready to sit down with anyone who has a complaint about the election," he added in reference to the opposition team which has been accusing the government of frustrating efforts for the country to conduct free and fair elections.

Already, the union of presidential candidates which comprises 14 people has called for dialogue over the stalemate. The union has also been accusing the government of using the police and special forces to quell protests that have been mounting against the administration of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in recent weeks.

There have been calls to disband the electoral committee over claims that most of the people picked are close associates of the president. However, the government has often dismissed the claims, arguing that the elections will be free and fair.

GAROWE ONLINE