Somalia PM on 2016 Election, Orlando shooting

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has discussed 2016 electoral transition, his next move on national politics and mass shooting in Orlando in an interview with VOA Somali Service. 

The Prime Minister who is visiting Washington first off condemned Orlando shooting, saying the act of terror sheds light on similar carnage in his country.  

Sharmarke noted that Al Shabaab targets key figures and soft structures and stressed that the atrocity in Orlando once more demonstrates that terrorism knows no bounds.  

Continuing, Somali Prime Minister unveiled that his government met most benchmarks for 2016 election and selection process, hoping that Somali political leaders will jointly smooth out the remaining hurdles at Baidoa forum slated for June 20. 

Asked about his move on the upcoming presidential election, the Prime Minister signaled no planned intention to run but insisted that it will be known when he reaches a decision in the near future.  

On possible manipulation by the government and President Hassan Sheikh Momahud during selection exercise, Sharmarke scotched such a possibility given the enhanced transparency of the process and rigorous observation of international community. 

“I can assure that the likes of two persons would have no clout in the parliamentary selection process,” stressed Somalia Prime Minister. Discussing recurrent squabbling that emerges between the President and the Prime Minister, Sharmarke faulted political crisis on the provisional constitution which he says lacks clear definition regarding powers resting with the President and the Prime Ministry.  

Somali government is planning to raise the “dual-headed charter” in the upcoming constitutional review forum, he concluded.  

The East African country gears up for critical electoral transition expected to be kicked off by August this year.  Incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking second term in office under a model, UN envoycalled “a midway point between the election of 2012, when only 135 electors selected 275 Members of Parliament and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say.”       

Somalia held first-ever presidential election on its own since the state collapse, in September 2012.

GAROWEONLINE