Norway: With good leadership, Somalia can progress
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Staff reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 06-12-2021, 07:50AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal republic of Somalia can progress to the next level should good leadership define all actions within the country, Norway has said, amid the current electoral impasse, which has been widely criticized by members of the opposition.
Somalia is currently holding Lower House elections which have been delayed due to internal wrangles pitting outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and senior members of the opposition.
Already, the Union of Presidential Candidates [UPC] has boycotted the elections citing malpractices and rigging, despite assurances from Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble that the exercise will be free, fair, and credible.
In a tweet, the Norwegian embassy in Somalia called for free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the time has come for Somalis to focus on elections. Norway further insisted on proper reforms in the country.
"Norway supports the international call for fair, credible, and peaceful elections in Somalia," the Norwegian embassy said, in the latest calls towards credible polls in the Horn of Africa nation which is struggling with instability.
"It is time to move beyond elections and back onto the path of reform and long-term development. With good leadership, we are convinced that Somalia can progress to the next level."
On Sunday, the Federal Elections Implementation Team [FEIT], suspended elections for seats 154 and 103 in South West State. Ex-Lower House speaker Mohamed Jawari was allegedly locked out from contesting for 103.
FEIT had suspended voting for the seat but the State polls body neglected the order and went ahead. The Committee has been accused by members of the opposition of allegedly working in favour of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
After the election of 275 Lower House members, the country will proceed to the presidential election where the MPs along with 54 senators will participate in voting. Farmaajo is keen to defend his seat according to Villa Somalia.
GAROWE ONLINE
