Somalia’s Federal electoral body ensures electoral process is on time

MUQDISHU, Somalia- Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation team (FIEIT) said on Wednesday, that the electoral process for the upcoming Somali elections remains on course, Garowe Online reports.

In a press statement released by the FIEIT, it assured to the Somali public and International community its commitment to honor the electoral roadmap and adhere to the timetables set for parliamentary elections of Upper and Lower Houses to ensure timely and credible elections.

“We made consultation with traditional elders to advocate on their role in the selection process of Electoral College members and ensuring 30 per cent quota of seats reserved for women in the upcoming elections. State-Level Indirect Electoral Implementation Teams (SIEITs) are also on the right direction of concluding Electoral College lists and setting polls stations,” read the statement.      

FIEIT added that despite great efforts is pushed to meet electoral deadlines still there are challenges hindering the process, contributed by political standoff, security, funds and delays by traditional leaders. A conference between FIEIT and SIEITs is expected to begin in 23 September, in the capital of Mogadishu, to settle matters significant to the electoral roadmap.   

On its side, Puntland’s Indirect electoral implementation team made a press conference in Garowe, the regional capital of Puntland state, on Wednesday, calling traditional elders to observe electoral roadmap rules in nominating candidates for the parliamentary elections and reserved quota of seats for women.

Puntlnad’s electoral body warned clans from ignoring women representation in the upcoming parliamentary election and threatened to block clan’s nomination process until it meet requirement. They also urged state leader to ensure women representation in the upcoming Upper House chamber.

Somalia said the inclusive electoral election is the first in 47 years, as parliament elections will take place between 25 September and 20 October and the process will conclude in a vote by new lawmakers for a new Federal president on 30 October.

GAROWEONLINE