Somalia's opposition to hold conference after boycotting ongoing election

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The union of presidential candidates in the federal republic of Somalia has once again slammed ongoing Lower House election, which has created tensions and confusions in the Horn of Africa country which is still struggling with instability.

In a detailed statement, the opposition candidates said the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States have no interest in holding free and fair elections, which have substantially delayed causing political anarchy.

The union wondered why the two entities failed to suspend Lower House elections and allow a more inclusive exercise that brings together all entities. Last week, the candidates had questioned the electoral process in the country.

The candidates announced technical and security committees to organize a consultative conference in Mogadishu to discuss the troubled election that was ideally meant to end in Oct 10 after months of deliberations.

It's not clear if the candidates will form a national salvation government after accusing the federal government and member states of failing to hold inclusive, free and fair elections in Somalia.

For months, the union of the presidential candidates have been pushing for a more transparency process in accordance with the Sep 17 electoral deal. Most countries from the West and the United Nations have threatened to stop supporting the electoral process if converns are not fixed.

The opposition accused the leaders of the Federal States and Villa Somalia of rigging Lower House election after several canidadates were blocked from the race for the seats.

Among those in the oppostion union include former Presidents Shariff Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

GAROWE ONLINE