Somalia Election Forum kicks off

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Somali political leaders have again gathered for a critical meeting focused on 2016 Electoral Transition, National Security Policy and the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) in Mogadishu on Sunday, Garowe Online reports. 

Earlier on Sunday, Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) and the northeastern State of Puntland have agreed on the modality of elections expected to be held later this year.  

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Jubaland’s Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Interim Galmudug Administration (IGA) leader Abdikarin Hussein Guled, and Southwest State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan are attending the National Consultative Forum (NCF). 

Mohamud has officially opened the conference, saying three key issues including technical preparations for presidential and parliamentary selection and election processes, National Security Policy and constitutional review program will be discussed over the course of high level political talks in Mogadishu. 

“Today is another momentous day for Somali nation. Our country has made a multidimensional progress, thanks to compromise and tolerance we have felt towards each other. 

We hope to continue our efforts of leaping our country forward to get the new Somalia built upon peace, development and prosperity,” Somali president said in his opening remarks at National Consultative Forum. Continuing, Mohamud has also expressed his delight with the political maturity exercised by Somalis these days. 

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke on his side stressed the need for legitimate, inclusive and participatory politics in ongoing programmes. 

Sharmarke added that constitutional review forum will be staged in Puntland capital, Garowe in May. Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arte presented National Security Policy as the country tries to bar off Al Shabaab threats.  

Meanwhile, credible sources tell Garowe Online that President Mohamud will go on surprise foreign trip tomorrow. 

The Prime Minister is also said to have planned to jet off amidst intense political discussions. 

Somalia President has had a similar itinerary to Kenya during preceding Mogadishu meeting.  

The forum comes less than a week after UN-backed national government and Puntland reached a deal on election proposal endorsed by international community.

GAROWEONLINE