Thursday July 23, 2020
DHUSAMAREB (HOL) -
Federal and state leaders meeting in Dhusamareb Wednesday inched closer to a political deal on holding elections this year following an agreement to establish a technical committee to work out details of an electoral model.
A communique from the weeklong meeting Wednesday evening noted the leaders led by President Mohamed Farmaajo tasked a technical committee to come up with proposals ahead of another meeting in mid-August.
The FMS and FGS leaders will resume talks August 15 in Dhusamareb.
The meeting also agreed on the need to strengthen relations between the two levels of Government and bolster engagements on the fight against terrorism and economic development.
The meeting was a first in two years with the last such meeting happening in June 2018 in Baidoa.
The electoral commission NIEC has ruled out a universal vote this year and has instead called for up to 13 months to deliver the poll.
Prime Minister Hassan Khaire dismissed the extended timeframe noting elections must happen this year in line with constitutional dictates.
The term of the current parliament lapses in late December while that of the President ends in early February 2021.
The meeting discussed the country's political, economic and security situation as well as a particular discussion on the issues of elections;
- The forum strengthened the unity and solidarity of the country and the people of Somalia.
- The conference agreed to intensify cooperation between the Federal Government and the Member States in stabilising the country and in the fight against terrorism.
- The forum also agreed to strengthen economic development issues and the debt-forgiveness process in Somalia.
- The leaders agreed to hold timely and credible elections in the country.
- The leaders agreed to establish a technical committee from the Federal Government of Somalia and the Member States. The committee will work on recommendations on the modalities and conduct of the country's elections.
- The leaders agreed to convene a second conference in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, within two weeks to complete discussions on the country's electoral process.
- The forum expresses gratitude to the Government and the people of Galmudug for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Somali leaders and delegates who attended the conference. The forum also acknowledges and appreciates the reconciliation process that gave birth to the new Galmudug that enabled it to host this conference to discuss the country's future.
- Finally, the conference welcomes the International Community for its significant contribution to the reconstruction and development of governance in Somalia.