Somalia: Differences emerge over electoral budget

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Differences continue to linger between Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) and foreign donors in Mogadishu over the budget for elections later this year, Garowe Online reports.

National Leadership Forum (NLF) may either reduce drastically the number of members of Electoral College or entrust parliamentary selection process to 135 traditional elders if the government and international community fail to agree to financing mechanisms, an insider tells GO.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke met with western donors who asked for the actual election cost and whether reliable financial institutions are in place.

Somali leaders have not explicitly responded to the questions posed by foreign diplomats, an official said under customary condition of anonymity.

Concerns still exist on how Somalia Presidential election can take place on the timetable called “inconsistent” by challengers of President Mohamud, who is running for second term in office.

Moreover, unconfirmed reports unveil that Somali leaders want tenure in office extended despite prevailing controversies.

International community also remains wary of overdue electoral preparations.

Somali political leaders are to meet over possible suspension of the Upper House of Parliament in forum to be held in Mogadishu on September 7.

GAROWE ONLINE