Somalia political leaders discussing electoral model at critical forum

MOGADISHU, Somalia, December 13, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali political leaders alongside international partners are gathering for key meeting in Mogadishu to decide on at least a hybrid model for upcoming elections, Garowe Online reports.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari and Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug and Southwest State leaders as well as representatives from Banadir, Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions are attending the national consultative conference.

Outgoing United Nations envoy to Somalia, Ambassador Nicholas Kay set out four points international community needs to see at the end of political deliberations.

“First it must include an element of choice. No more nominations of MPs. There must be an opportunity for some people to vote for a choice of candidates; secondly it brings the process closer to the people. So voting should happen not just in Mogadishu; third it produces a parliament with at least 30% women and increases the representation of youth under 35 years which has already been committed to many times; fourthly it uses a system that moves the country forward politically and provides a stepping stone and a bridge between 2012 and full democratic elections at the end of the next parliament,” Ambassador Kay told Somali leaders on the first day of the consultative conference.

Al though partners praised the gathering as ‘participatory politics’, differences are looming over model for electoral transition when the mandate of the current government comes to an end by 2016.

Speaking in Mogadishu, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has once again reiterated that his administration is still sticking to alternatives to 4.5 power sharing formula in line with Garowe and Galkayo principles.

Jubaland too agreed to Puntland suggestion.

Against the backdrop of more push for region-based election model, Galmudug and Southwest State insist on further impetuses into 4.5 quota.

On Saturday, a group of MPs in Puntland called on international community members to opt for neutrality in the ongoing Somali-led process.

GAROWE ONLINE