International Community urges fast-tracking of polls appeal body

The international community has called on Somalia to fast track the formation of a dispute resolution ahead of next week’s polls.

In a joint statement, Sunday, the partners which include the UN, AU and the US among other international stakeholders said Somali leaders should finalise the establishment of the electoral appeals body without delay.

“The international partners continue to encourage Somali leaders to finalize the establishment of a transparent, independent, and fair electoral dispute resolution mechanism without delay,” read the statement in part.

The partners said they will contribute through the deployment of electoral experts and observers to the mechanism as well as support Somali organisations monitoring the implementation of the electoral process.

In a communique Wednesday, the National Leadership Forum announced it had established a 25 member dispute resolution mechanism. The mechanism, NLF said will set out regulations on procedure of hearing cases/complaints and the time during which the same shall be disposed of.

The partners also noted the funding for the electoral process will be administered through mechanisms set under the auspices of the United Nations. The arrangement should be implemented the soonest and both international partners and Somali authorities should honor their financial commitment to the process, the statement read.

The International Community will finance 60% of the budget while Somalia will foot the rest. The process is set to cost $13 million.

Delegates will start the election of Lower House members from September 24 through to October 10. That of the Upper House will take place September 25 while the president will be elected October 30.