Opposition welcome fresh Dhusamareb talks, upbeat on poll pact

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:  The Council of Presidential Candidates (CPC) has welcomed the convening of another round of talks between President Mohamed Farmaajo and Federal Member States presidents.

CPC which is an umbrella of 14 presidential candidates said the meeting was a positive step towards resolving the ongoing electoral row that has seen elections postponed for three times.

“Given the importance of holding free and fair elections in our country, and taking into account differences over the implementation of the electoral agreement, the Council of Candidates sees an opportunity for the Dhusamareb Coalition Conference,” the Council said in a statement.

Farmaajo announced the convening of the conference last week after both Jubbaland and Puntland agree to participate in the elections by naming their respective polls committees. The announcement also came after Farmaajo met with representatives of the international community.

The meeting is expected to kick off today. Galmudug President Ahmed Qoor-qoor arrived on midday in Dhusamareb while the rest of the FMS leaders are expected to fly into the central Somalia city ahead of the meeting. This will be the fourth meeting held in Dhusamareb to find a solution for the electoral disputes.