Somalia: Presidential hopefuls held meeting with UN envoy to Somalia

GAROWE, Puntland- A delegation led by the UN Special Representative to Somali, Ambassador Michael Keating, has arrived to Garowe, regional capital of Puntland, on Thursday, and held meetings with Somalia presidential candidates, Garowe Online reports. 

Somali Presidential contenders Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Ali Haji Warsame had closed door meetings with UN delegate in the presence of African Union representative to Somalia.

During a joint statement, after the meeting, the presidential candidates have noted that they had discussed with the delegate on various issues including recent delays to the electoral process, missing deadline for nomination of the Upper House chamber, unconstitutional term extension of Somali government, security of the capital Mogadishu and state formation process for Hiiran-Middle Shabelle state.

Presidential hopeful Farole explained they have talked about Somali leaders’ plans to orchestrate continuous delays and lack of serious commitment to implement timely and fair elections. He also expressed concerns over the situation that might plunge the country into political crisis, following long efforts to bring stability to the country.

Farole slammed Somali leaders-whose term ended in 10 September- for carrying out executive decisions without mandate, as they still appointing new officials in various positions within the government.

Both candidates have lamented on the conditional high fees imposed on candidates running for seats in the upcoming Federal Parliament and described the process as a plan from Somali leaders to financially sponsor allied candidates amid inability of many other candidates to pay the fees to support their campaigns.  

We have also pointed out the security deterioration and recent attacks that happened in the capital, which clearly indicate that Mogadishu city is unsafe, added Farole.  

On his side, Ali Haji Warsame, said a meeting is poised to convene between leaders of Somali government and regional administrations under the National Leadership Forum, which imply a new delays to the electoral process.  

Presidential candidate Warsame has criticized the International community for taking part in caretaker President and close allies plans to delay elections, and said it can no longer be tolerated. He said that the Somali leaders have pushed the country into chaos during a critical period, and sacked the commander and 1,500 personnel from Somalia’s Intelligence Agency (NISA) in Banadir region.

The meeting comes following a recent postponement to the Somali election, delays by regional leaders to nominate Upper House members and public fears of not holding the Somalia elections in 2016.

GAROWEONLINE