Senator Farole issues statement on electoral stalemate in Somalia

GAROWE, Puntland - Former Puntland President Abdirahman Farole has issued a statement on the current electoral crisis in Somalia, issuing crucial points which can guide reconciliation and understanding, in a country that has battled electoral disputes for months now.

Farole, who serves in the Senate representing Puntland, has decried the fact that opposition leaders and the current administrations of Puntland and Jubaland have been struggling to stamp the authority of electoral processes in the country for a while now.

In his statement, Senator Farole called for the incorporation of all stakeholders, arguing that the stalemate can be solved if all those who matter are brought on board, for the sake of stability and democracy in the country.

"The next conference should be attended by all stakeholders, including: from the center (Federal Government President and Prime Minister); from the periphery (Presidents of Federal Member States); from pro-union ‘Somaliland State’ (committee led by Chairman of the Upper House of Federal Parliament); and a delegation from the opposition (committee selected by the Council of Presidential Candidates)," he said.

Senator Faroole, who has been critical of the administration of the outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, said the international community particularly the AMISOM should lead talks to solve the quagmire, adding that the United Nations should also chip in and help.

With everybody on board, he noted, the stalemate can be cured, given the expectations from the Somalis. He said all leaders should shelve their political ambitions for the sake of the country, adding that with the unity of togetherness, many can be achieved.

"Conference outcome oversight should be under by a committee of the International Community, to assist in breaking the election deadlock; Conference security should be under the exclusive mandate of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)," he said.

"The solution is ensured with an all-agreed representation and all-agreed outcome at the Conference to break the election deadlock and to immediately start the free and fair federal electoral process."

Farole has been pushing for reconciliation between the two factions and has been particularly critical of additional seats in the Senate for Banadir, which he says may be abused by the outgoing president for election rigging purposes.

GAROWE ONLINE