​Somalia: International community calls Somali leaders to convene National Leadership Forum

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Leaders of the Somali government-term ended in September 10- and regional states are set to hold talks in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, on Wednesday, with diplomats from the international community, over obstacles surrounded the country’s electoral process, Garowe Online reports.

The country’s presidential election scheduled to be held on November 30, but postponed for the third time due to delays in the parliamentary elections in the regional states.

In a statement sent to the Somali leaders, the UN Special Representative to Somalia, Michael Keating, emphasized the importance of the NLF meetings to deal with critical issues hindering the electoral process and support the electoral dispute body to ensure credible and fair election.     

“The NLF meeting is taking place at a time when the electoral process is at a critical juncture, a quorum has been obtained in both the Upper House and the House of the People,” read the statement.          

“Your support will be needed for the IEDRM as it investigates official complaints, resolves disputes and, where the evidence is compelling, addresses the worst instances of electoral abuse and malpractice.”

Keating also urged Somali leaders to resolve swiftly the dispute over the distribution of Upper House seats for the Somaliland community without interfering with the remaining process of the electoral implementation bodies.

He also warned against further delays to the electoral process that could have negative consequences on the country.

“Failure to complete the process this year will have very negative consequences for Somalia, for the reputation of the electoral process, and on partners’ ability to maintain support for the important agenda facing the country in 2017, whether in the security sector, responding to socio-economic challenges or in capacity development.”

The talks is expected to be the last before the forthcoming presidential election, however, the President of the newly established Hirshabelle state is set to join for the first time the meetings between Somali leaders and the international community.

GAROWEONLINE