Int'l partners concerned about continuing delays in elections in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A number of Somalia's international partners have raised concerns about the delayed Lower House elections, which were set to start in September based on the revised timetable which was released in May this year.

Initially, the country was set to go to the polls in December 2020 but the exercise was delayed due to wrangles pitting the executive and the opposition. The Federal Member States [FMS] had also raised a series of concerns.

On Monday, the partners asked all those involved to expedite the process, to complete Somalia's longest electoral calendar, and perhaps the longest electioneering exercise in the history of the world.

The partners noted that there is enough money to help conduct the polls, adding that there is a need to conclude Lower House elections in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble on Monday visited Galmadug over the elections.

"International partners, however, remain deeply concerned about the extremely delayed election timeline and strongly urge the Somali leadership, at all levels of government, to swiftly re-commence and complete the electoral process for the House of the People seats," the statement read. "We note that sufficient funds are already available, including from international partners, to complete a significant portion of the House of the People elections."

At least 101 delegates in each FMS will participate in the elections which are geared towards picking 275 MPs. The delegates are picked by traditional elders, who are fundamental in Somalia's indirect polls.

"We continue to call for timely, inclusive, and credible elections that maintain the integrity of the electoral process. We also strongly urge Somali leaders and the State Election Implementation Teams, in line with the 17 September 2020 and 27 May 2021 agreements, to ensure that a minimum 30 percent quota is reserved for women members of Parliament through a clear mechanism," the partners noted.

The delayed elections, international partners noted, would affect other areas of a priority since more resources will be used against the initial budgetary estimates. They also called for the stability of the country which has been struggling for three decades.

"International partners reiterate their deep concern that, the longer the elections are delayed, the more attention and resources will be diverted from important national priorities, such as responding to the humanitarian consequences of drought, state-building and ensuring security, which is critical to the overall stability of Somalia and the welfare of its people."

GAROWE ONLINE