I will not extend term, says Somalia President

NEW YORK - After complaints from members of the opposition, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed claims that he intends to extend his stay in power, while defending the ongoing constitutional changes, including the introduction of direct polls.

Speaking to the BBC Somali Service, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said only the independent electoral commission has the power to set timelines for elections in the country, adding that politicians do not have a role.

“No individual politician has veto power,” he said. “If time proves insufficient, only the commission can ask for more time.”

While revising the provisional chapters, Hassan Sheikh said, his administration was guided by the constitution. Further, he argued, lawmakers have the authority to ratify agreements reached together with federal member states.

“The constitution is not the Quran,” he said. Mohamud added that many of his opponents once pledged to complete the constitution and introduce universal suffrage, but now resist the very reforms they campaigned on. “We are moving forward with what they themselves once promised,” he said.

The president said his administration remains open for dialogue, adding that he has already accepted several proposals fronted by the opposition. Jubaland and Puntland states are against constitutional changes.

“If a clause is wrong, then tell us why and what should replace it,” he said.

On his strained ties with Puntland and Jubbaland, Mohamud said Somalia remains united despite differences. “Our relations never break completely. They may be delayed or fall short, but ties remain,” he said. “This is one nation, and differences must be acknowledged within that reality.”

Mursal Khalif, one of the federal legislators, has warned against constitutional changes while insisting that the changes are engineered towards extending Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s stay in power.

"No more toying with the provisional constitution after the first four chapters. Unacceptable," he said. "Hassan Sheikh Mohamud failed to gain consensus for the 1st 4 chapters. And after 18 months, it’s clear all HSM wanted were the 4 chapters regarding elections to tailor for himself."

GAROWE ONLINE