Somalia: Sticking points remain over political talks in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Political talks in Mogadishu have ended for yesterday as several issues appear to be major sticking points up for today’s discussion, Garowe Online reports.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, and the Presidents of Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest State are attending the crucial meeting at the heavily-fortified Presidential compound, Villa Somalia.

The leaders yesterday deliberated on Electoral Implementation Teams (EITs) at federal and regional levels, traditional elders mapping by state, clear Terms of References (TORs) for conflict resolution committee, expediting Upper House formation, additional seats for Banadir in the Upper House, electoral security taskforce, women quota in parliament and timetable and financing mechanisms.

Somali politicians have yet to agree on the conflict resolution committee and terms of references for electoral implementation teams, sources tell GO.

International diplomats will be attending today’s talks that would focus more on the funds to be allotted and election timetable.

Federal Electoral Implementation Team (FEIT) chairman Omar Degey said earlier on Tuesday, they will embark on preparations for 2016 polls very soon.

GAROWE ONLINE