Somalia's PM Roble calls on Federal States to start to Lower House election

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble on Tuesday asked Federal Member States [FMS] leadership to fast track the Lower House elections, which have been delayed for months contrary to May 27th pre-election agreement.

In the agreement, the Lower House elections across the country we're supposed to kick off in September and get concluded in October, but the country has witnessed unprecedented delays with the country yet to conclude even senatorial polls.

On Tuesday, PM Roble asked FMS leaders to kick start the exercise soonest, adding that the country has already run beyond schedule. He said the polls should be concluded before December before the country goes for presidential polls.

"PM Mohamed Roble holds virtual meeting with Electoral Commissions of FEIT and SEIT levels and urged to begin the elections of House of the People so soon in all states and Mogadishu to conclude before the end of Dec. PM said FGS provides technical, financial security facilitation," Mohamed Moalimuu, his spokesperson said.

So far, it's only Somaliland that has started Lower House elections but only managed to elect two out of 46 members. Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Gulaid was one of the first MPs to be elected and his victory was upheld following a challenge.

Elsewhere, Galmudug state parliament will vote for the remaining two Senate seats on Saturday following the release of the much-delayed list of candidates. Once these seats are filled, Somalia would have completed elections for the senate.

Ahmed Kaliye alias Qoorqoor, who is the region's president, released a list of candidates on Tuesday following calls from Prime Minister Mohamed Roble and the international community for the speedy conclusion of the exercise.

The incumbent Senator Abdi Hassan Awale aka Qabydiid will be contesting with Awil Nur Ali in the first seat while Abdi Osman Hared will battle it out with Mahad Adan Guled for the second seat.

Saturday's election of the remaining two senators in Galmudug will mark the end of the exercise which commenced on July 29. Lower House elections are expected to start soon.

For the Lower House, each state has a total of 101 delegates who will participate in the election of each MP. Once the exercise is concluded, both senators and House of the people's MPs will elect the president of the federal republic of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE