Somalia’s caretaker President calls to adhere to elections roadmap

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Speaking to the media on Wednesday, caretaker President Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud has urged stakeholders to respect candidates’ rights and elections roadmap, Garowe Online reports.

“We are ahead of a critical time as the country will prepare for an inclusive electoral process for the first time in 47 years, its utmost necessity for the Federal and State electoral implementation committees to conform to the elections roadmap,” said Mahmoud.

Mahmoud noted the commitment of Federal government, regional states and designated electoral implementation committees of the timetable set for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. He appealed to the relevant entities to collaborate and push efforts to ensure timely and fair elections.

Somalia will start parliamentary elections of both chambers-Lower and Upper Houses in end of September, which will conclude with the election of Parliament Speaker on 25 October, while the new lawmakers will vote for the new president on 30 October.

Mahmoud also stressed on the importance of respecting the rights of candidates and the role of traditional elders, clan delegates and electoral committees.

This comes amid rising reports accusing caretaker President of power abuse and oppressing campaign rallies of rival presidential candidates in the capital of Mogadishu. Mahmoud said that the allegations are baseless, politically motivated and are aimed to undermine government progress and institutions.

Mahmoud appeal came at a time when Banadir regional administration has banned street campaign rallies and independent media from entering Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, the move comes as no surprise as UN on September, accused Somali Federal government and regional authorities of power abuse and constant intimidation against independent media.

Somalia’s caretaker President term expired on 10 September, as the country prepares for elections, the security situation remains fragile, largely due to the AL Shabaab militants group carrying out frequent attacks in a bid to overthrow western backed Somali Federal government.

GAROWEONLINE