Somalia Polls To Be Held In 60 Days As Govt, Opposition Ink Deal
Somalia’s Federal States have reached an agreement that will now see the horn of Africa nation hold its elections within the next 60 days.
The five heads of the regional states including the Governor of Benadir region agreed on the new Federal Electoral Agreement marking an end of the 4-day talks on the pre-polls crisis that threatened the country’s security and stability.
During the talks led by Somalia Prime Minister Mohammed Roble, the leaders revealed that the consensus was struck after a mutually acceptable solution was agreed upon to end the national electoral impasse for the interest of the country and her citizens.
“I would like to commend the Presidents of the Federal Member States and the Governor of Banadir who have truly shown a great degree of flexibility, compromise, patience and leadership that have enabled us to resolve outstanding issues within a short period of time,” said PM Roble.
During the announcement also attended by foreign dignitaries, the leaders pledged to open a new chapter that will enable the country to get back on track on of establishing a prosperous and peaceful Somalia.
“I want to particularly extend my gratitude to the noble Somali people for their patience and support in consolidating stability and governance, as I call upon them to continue supporting us in delivering the heavy responsibility bestowed upon us of holding elections,” he said.
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President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s term expired in February 2020.
Back in April, the lower house of parliament voted to extend his four-year term by another two years.
A move that was rejected by the Senate and criticized by the international community, as a result triggering a political crisis.
Violence was shortly after witnessed in the country with a section of the military said to have seized key points in the capital.
The electoral stalemate and protracted violence saw Somalians expressing fear that the terror group Al-Shabaab would take advantage of the situation exploiting the security vacuum.
Roble who thanked President Farmaajo for his efforts in the electoral process and for concessions he made that led to the agreement said that he will be working on attaining the 30 percent quota for women and advised the Federal Member State leaders to secure the same.
“Pursuant to the September 17 agreement, it is incumbent upon me and all other leaders here to ensure that women get their fair quota of seats in the legislatures,” he said.
Details of the fresh deal, reveal that as part of the September 17 agreement, leaders agreed to hold a parliamentary election in Garbaharey,one of the most contentious issues with the prime minister’s office set to lead a reconciliation in the Gedo region before the vote.
AMISOM police will be in charge of the security.
Puntland president Said Abdullahi said that the 5 heads of regional states are committed to implementing the new agreement so that the country can hold an all inclusive and peaceful election.
