Eminent elders call for unity and peace to realise 2020 election goal

A group of elders who participated in the selection of delegates during the 2016 elections and selection of MPs in 2012 have called on Parliament to remain focused and united in supporting peace and stabilization of the country.

The 135 leaders meeting in Mogadishu Thursday said in a statement the process towards the realization of the one person one vote elections in 2020 was dependent on a united parliament.

“We encourage and appeal to the leadership of parliament and the MPs of the two federal houses to put aside their different thoughts that can derail the plans of stabilizing the security in the country in order to attain the process of the 2020 election of one vote one person,” a communique released Thursday read in part.

Addressing a wide range of challenges facing the country, the leaders also appealed for public support to the government and the military to win the war against extremist groups. “We appeal to the Somali public to support and stand shoulder to shoulder with the federal government and with partnership and funds to the military,” the leaders said while calling for vigilance especially among Mogadishu residents in light of recent attacks that have killed hundreds of people.

The leaders hailed the president’s move to invite federal member state leaders for a meeting in Mogadishu noting political stability in the country was key to addressing security challenges facing the country.

The leaders drawn from all clans in the country each selected the average of 51 delegates who then elected Members of the Lower House during the 2016/17 elections. Unlike in 2012 where they had the direct role of selecting MPs, the leaders’ role in 2016 was only confined to selection of delegates.