Somalia leaders agree on Consultative Forum on 2016 electoral process

MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 21, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali federal government leadership and Federal Member States leaders have agreed on the formation of Forum for National Consultation ahead of 2016 elections on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

At the end of three-day consultative conference in Mogadishu, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, Puntland’s Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Jubaland’s Ahmed Mohamed Islam(Madobe), Southwest State leader Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and Abdikarin Hussein Gulled of Interim Galmudug Administration have announced the Forum in a joint communiqué.

In reference to political framework of High Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) held in Mogadishu in late July, the leaders acceded consent to the political forum which would have representatives from Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG), regional administrations, delegates representing interim administration pending and Civil Society Activists.

The Forum will convene for the first time on October 14, and would pave the way for format for transition in 2016.

Somali leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic and transparent ideals as agreed during Mogadishu High Level Partnership Forum between 29 and 30 of July.

Through November, forum stakeholders will discuss models for electoral transition with the members of the public according to statement seen by GO.

Leaders will meet again in December this year to review outcome of anticipated nation-wide consultations.

In January, 2016, concerned bodies would enact laws pertaining to agreed upon election modalities.

On Sunday, Puntland and Jubaland stormed out of consultative conference; however efforts by international diplomats later eased the deadlock.

GAROWE ONLINE