Leaders converge in Mogadishu to cement talks on the 4.5 electoral model

The National Consultative Forum which brings together the national and regional leadership of the country will meet today in Mogadishu to finalise the electoral model for the July/August polls following the Puntland’s assent to the 4.5 clan based system last week.

The Forum which is expected to cement the over three month’s consultations on the electoral model will also submit its report to parliament for approval.

Goobjoog News has also learnt the UN Security Council will give its vote of confidence on the process marking the end of protracted talks that have at some point severed relations between Puntland and Mogadishu.

It was only until last week that Puntland eased its position and accepted the 4.5 clan based system after standing ground in favour of the district based model. The international community last week witnessed the signing of an agreement between Puntland and the Federal Government in which case the former accepted 4.5 and jointly the international community reiterated 4.5 would come to an end after the 2016 polls.

Elections for the Upper House will take place in July, a month before that of the Lower House and subsequently presidential. The Upper House will be constituted based on the Federal Member State option in which case all the six regional administrations will be allocated eight seats. Puntland and Somaliland will each be given three extra seats in what the Forum notes it is because of their political maturity and seniority.

The fate of Banaadir is yet to be decided though the 2016 electoral roadmap says special arrangements will be put in place.

Meanwhile Parliament will resume today after close to a month’s recess. This will be the most crucial period as the House disposes of any remaining proceedings or legislation in readiness for the polls.