Somalia: Consultative conference on 2016 election kicks off in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 19, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia’s political leaders are again meeting in Mogadishu to discuss format for transition before the mandate of current government ends in August 2016, Garowe Online reports.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened the leadership forum at the seaside airport, Adan Adde International Airport on Monday, in hopes of major breakthrough and inclusive blueprint for more legitimate elections by 2016.

He said, the process is being led, and owned by Somalis with Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, regional leaders and international community representatives present.

At a press conference shortly after the conclusion of today’s deliberations on electoral transition, Prime Minister Sharmarke revealed that the political exercise will drag into December.

“We are not here today to discuss which model we can select, this decision will be nation-wide, at regional as well as federal level. When all parties are engaged, then their views will be tabled in the forum in December. At that time, we can debate which model of elections suits Somalia,” said Sharmarke.

Task forces and joint commissions have been set to push ahead with the modalities.

Citing insecurity, President Mohamud suspended the country’s much-anticipated ‘popular elections’ in August.

Somalia leaders will conclude the national consultative gathering on Tuesday.

GAROWE ONLINE