Upper House sticking point as hurdles emerge over Somalia Poll Proposal

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Somalia’s election framework is facing fresh hurdles as Poll Proposal Review Committee (PPRC) pushes for sweeping changes to modality, Garowe Online reports. 

Talks that dragged into late Monday have failed to produce any major breakthrough, with differences brewing between the select commission and the federal government leadership.  

The 26-member committee is preparing to present amended election blueprint to parliament for possible vote on Wednesday May 18, just a day to go before United Nations Security Council high level delegation lands in Mogadishu.  

Tough discussion at Mogadishu’s Villa Hargeisa could not prove to be instrumental for a common consensus on Somalia’s election proposal previously marred by months of political deadlock. 

The committee proposed that the Upper House be either scrapped or encompassed with members to be drawn from Banadir region. 

“During the review talks [at Villa Hargeisa], the committee told the President and the Prime Minister to report back to the regional presidents, so that eventually eight extra members from Banadir could be added,” a commissioner who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter told GO.  

Another major sticking point is said to have remained on the number of Electoral College after the committee slashed to 31 from the agreed-upon 50. However, an additional member was included, up to 51 according to sources at the Prime Ministry. 

MPs tell GO that there is a tense political atmosphere in parliament since ditching the Upper House is more likely to attract backing. 

If changes to election proposal pass in the country’s often-fickle national assembly, analysts predict the whole scheme may fall apart.  

On April 4, UN-backed national government and Puntland agreed to a scheme for 2016 electoral process, Upper House, 2020 roadmap, and tight implementation to be closely monitored by international community.    

Somalia Federal Government introduced national election model that garnered swift support from western donors for long baffled by slower pace of the country’s transition from clan-based power sharing formula in January.      

Incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking second term in office under a model, UN envoycalled “a midway point between the election of 2012, when only 135 electors selected 275 Members of Parliament and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say.”      

  Somalia held first-ever presidential election on its own since the state collapse, in September 2012.

GAROWEONLINE