Consultative Forum concludes as nationwide consultations on poll options set to start

The National Consultative Forum concluded today in Mogadishu with a call for enhanced participation and consultation on the most appropriate and acceptable electoral formula ahead of the 2016 polls.

In a communiqué this evening, the participants agreed that the Task Force and the Technical Support team, both of which provide support to the Forum will facilitate nationwide consultations involving a cross section of the Somali society locally and in Diaspora.

This follows a proposal yesterday that the National Consultative Forum will seek views on four possible options of electing members of parliament before agreeing on one formula aimed at ‘enhanced legitimacy’.

The participants, drawn from the Federal government, regional states, civil society and the international community called on all Somalis and stakeholders to seize the opportunity and actively engage in the consultations.

The Forum will convene in December to review the conclusion of the public consultations agree one decision appropriate for the 2016 polls.

Even as the four options seem to have gained traction as the most likely options, some members of parliament unsuccessfully negotiated for the inclusion of the fifth option which included the extension of the term of the current administration.

The President reiterated yesterday his government did not have any intentions of extending its term beyond the stimulated four year period which lapses in August 2016. The UN Security Council has severally warned against any ideas on extension as well.