President Mohamud Pledges More Dialogue of Electoral System Amid Disputes

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said the government is committed to fostering dialogue on the recently adopted one-person, one-vote electoral system amid resistance from sections of leaders.

The President said his administration is ready to engage all Somalis in the country and called for dialogue to reach out to those who are not in favour of the electoral model.

“We are ready to go anywhere for a talk; come to us if asked; otherwise we will come to you. Today we could not only be in Mogadishu and Garowe, but we will convene in many places in the country,” said President Hassan Sheikh.

He noted Somalis will decide on their own without foreign intervention.

His remarks come amid ongoing political differences between the Federal Government and the states of Jubaland and Puntland which have rejected unified electoral timelines.

The Federal Parliament last month endorsed the amended Elections Law which stipulates that the country will hold elections countrywide where each citizen will have the chance the vote for their leaders.

This is contrary to the current system, where a select number of delegates elect lawmakers who in turn elect a president.