2020 polls will take place without fail-NIEC chair

 

The chairperson of the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) Halima Ismail Yarey has maintained the 2020 general elections will take place without fail.

Speaking during the interactive Hiigsi Show, a programme on preparations for 2020 polls on Goobjoog TV and Goodbjoog FM, Ms Yarey allayed fears of postponed polls noting the exercise will be conducted within the confines of the constitution.

“The Commission is prepared and committed to ensure the upcoming elections take place within stipulated timelines,” Ms Yarey said.

The timing of the political agreement, the electoral nominees, the registration of the political parties and the voter registration process and the election results will all be done within the view of meeting the 2020 timelines, the electoral body boss said.

She also pointed out that there are many areas in Somalia where elections can safely take place.

“We have already dispensed with the questions of the possibility of 2020 election, and those people that we have visited their constituencies want to have one person vote election in 2020.”

“We have witnessed so many countries in over a short period of time that held an election after so many years of war so we should not have to depend on old men to vote for us in almost 18 years.”

“We estimated at least 3 million voters can participated in the 2020 elections. Last time (2016/17) 14,000 people voted and I think it made a big difference. We want our people to remain optimistic,” the electoral chief added.

Ms Yarey also spoke about the roles of the Commission’s board in state elections.

The NIEC chair also noted the polls body was facing challenges in executing its mandate noting some individuals were conducting electoral exercises not within their scope.

Ms Yarey stressed that the electoral commission is independent of politics.

“All the politicians are equal to us, and we all want them to have the passion to compete fairly.”

Goobjoog News