No end in sight as late night talks over motion stalemate collapse

Late night talks to find a common ground on the fate of anti-Jawari motion collapsed last night after both factions failed to agree further deepening an already convoluted political situation in the country.

Three groups-one led by first deputy speaker Ibrahim Mudey, another by second deputy Mahad Awad and the  third by Upper House leadership held back and forth consultative meetings at Villa Somalia as 70 opposition MPs waited for a final word.

Various lawmakers who talked to Goobjoog New early in the evening said they expected a ‘final solution’ to the stalemate but as the night dragged on, hopes for a solution faded away.

The opposition MPs under the Salvation for the Lower House banner issued a statement midnight declaring death of the motion.

The lawmakers said all deadlines including the one proposed by the Senate ad hoc committee (set for March 28) had lapsed and effectively therefore rendering the motion dead.

“The motion which came to being in March 14 against Speaker Mohamed Jawari has today March 29, 2018 collapsed in accordance with article 9 (4) of the Lower House Standing Orders,” the MPs said.

The lawmakers said Jawari should therefore continue with his duties since the motion had already suffered a natural death.

Sources at the meeting told Goobjoog News Mudey stood his ground maintaining the motion be tabled Saturday in line with his earlier ruling. Goobjoog News correspondent present at the venue said the leaders were shuffling from one room to another as they sought to strike a last minute deal.

Efforts by the Upper House first deputy speaker Abshir Bukhari who according to reports from the Senate was tasked to head the negotiations appeared not to have borne fruit as grand standing on both sides prevailed through the night.

The Senate which has been mediating the political crisis was last night seeking to bring both Mudey and Awad to a common agreement on the date and modalities of the vote. The Senate, Goobjoog News understands was also pushing for secret ballot during the vote. The ad hoc committee of the Senate has also indicated it would be ready to facilitate the proceedings and take observer status.

A faction of MPs allied to the Prime Minister are expected to meet today.