Somalia: Controversy after new election proposal

GAROWE--A communiqué issued by Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) has been noted with both enthusiasm and concerns among regional member states and the key political actors, Garowe Online reports.

National government endorsed an electoral model whose Lower House will be based on 4.5 power sharing quota, and 54-member Upper House that would have a total of 48 representatives to be divided equally among six Federal Member States, Puntland, Somaliland, Galmudug, Hiran/Middle Shabelle which is a prospective administration, Southwest and Jubaland.

Somaliland and Puntland will enjoy additional three seats each, given their political maturity and size in regions compared to other interim administrations and federal member states.

A minimum quota of 30% has also been reserved for Somali women in the two houses.

Puntland objects to new proposal

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was quick to object to the proposal green lighted by National Consultative Forum (NCF) participants, bar the northeastern State.

In attendance was not President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who is in Kenya for national morning held for Kenyan peacekeepers killed in Al Shabaab attack in southwestern Somalia.

Ali said, the electoral proposal doesn’t take the will and public opinion in Puntland into account, adding that he personally distances himself from any accedence to Mogadishu talks outcome.

“I will put the final decision back in the hands of Puntland people. They can decide on in the end,” he told the news conference.

Farole praises Puntland on stance

Former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole has commended Puntland for rejecting any political compromise ushering in return to controversial 4.5 formula.

In media briefing at his residence in the state capital of Garowe, Farole touched at length on Puntland’s traditional role in Somali unity, implementation of federalism and establishment of Somalia’s first-ever permanent government in over two decades.

Former Puntland leader once again reiterated that Somalis agreed to move away from 4.5 quota over the course of national consultative conferences in Garowe.

He noted that a political roadmap and clauses in the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) stipulated the kind of a selection process Somalia will have adopted for 2016 electoral transition.

Former Puntland President criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for acting in violation of constitution, blatant disregard, role in tempering with the federal charter and bankrolling immoral activities undermining the national stature.

Citing signs of a hypocrite in Islam, he said whoever possesses four traits is a hypocrite; when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise, when he disputes he transgresses and when he makes agreement he violates it.

Farole thanked international community members for their unwavering support for Somalia and commitment to the country’s political gains, but stressed—hands off when it comes to domestic politics.

Protests

Puntland Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar, some cabinet ministers, Nugal Governor and Garowe Mayor joined hundreds of protesters for a rally at popular Garowe square.

Participants at the rally were hoisting banners that read: “No 4.5 and we don’t need 4.5,” amongst others.

Nugal officials told protesters that 4.5. was an interim solution due to societal challenges following years of civil strife.

Similar demonstrations in support of Puntland decision regarding electoral model for 2016 have been planned in major cities and towns according to government officials.

GAROWEONLINE