AMISOM Hails Agreement On The Implementation Of The 2016 Electoral Process
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), has welcomed the agreement reached by Somalia leaders on modalities for the implementation of the 2016 electoral process.
The Somalia National Leadership Forum (NLF) which began on April 9, concluded yesterday in Mogadishu and was attended by various leaders from the federal government as well as those from the existing and emerging interim regional administrations.
The forum hosted by Somalia President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was attended by the Presidents of the regional states of Puntland, South West Administration, Galmudug, and Jubbaland. Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia said, “We are very happy with this communiqué. It’s a clear expression of the growing consensus and cohesion between the leadership of this country and a clear vision of how they want the future Somalia to be governed.”
The SRCC described the forum as a milestone in guiding Somalia to an inclusive, all-encompassing and democratic state. Ambassador Madeira added that AMISOM would continue to support Somalia, for its leadership to take full charge of the country’s affairs and also become an active member of the international community.The leadership forum agreed on the structure for the 2016 electoral process, both at federal and state levels, and election of Members of Parliament for the bicameral parliament.
In a communique read at the conclusion of the forum, the leaders agreed to establish uniform Election Implementation Teams at federal and state levels, to organize the upcoming elections.
The leaders also agreed on the composition of the Election Implementation Teams and promised to formulate their terms of reference. A dispute resolution mechanism will also be established for the upcoming elections.
Another conference is due to be held next month in the Puntland capital, Garowe, to discuss contentious political and constitutional issues that may require review. The leaders also resolved to table the 2016 electoral model and implementation mechanism to the federal parliament for final endorsement.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia has made gradual progress and the decision to have 13,750 people elect the Parliament, is a step forward for Somalia and demonstrates that more people will be able to participate in the 2020 elections.
President Hassan Sheikh also noted that time was of the essence and urged international partners to support the Federal Government of Somalia in order to fast-track implementation of processes that are yet to be fulfilled.“I would like to appreciate the role and continuous commitment from our international partners who have been standing with Somalia on the difficult days and the good days. I salute them and say thank you,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.
AMISOM