Thursday May 27, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Somalia will head to elections in 60 days, a new deal signed by the country’s leadership Wednesday has revealed bringing to an end several months of negotiations and bitter exchanges between the Federal Government, sections of the Federal Member States and the opposition.
According to the agreement, both levels of governments will coordinate on the electoral process and prepare the country for elections in 60 days from now meaning Somalis will be electing new leaders in August.
The Federal Indirect Elections Team (FIET) and its regional level counterparts will prepare elections calendar, the agreement reads in part. Some of the other issues dealt with in the new agreement include security and administration of Gedo region.
A committee drawing membership from all the federal member states except Jubbaland will be constituted and tasked with nominating a commissioner and deputy for Gerbaharey district within 30 days and submit the names to Jubbaland president Ahmed Madobe for appointment.
The agreement also provides a solution to the FIET composition which had been contested by the opposition. It provides that contested names shall be submitted to the Prime Minister who will in turn transmit to the Federal Member States for replacement.
Security of the elections will be the responsibility of Somali Police Force and AMISOM and will be headed by the Prime Minister. A nine-member committee led by the Prime Minister will draw membership from Somali Police Force and AMISOM.
Lastly on the issue of Somaliland, Prime Minister Mohamed Roble shall be responsible for the elections of Somaliland representatives ‘on the recommendation of the Speaker of the Upper House and the Deputy Prime Minister.
Senate speaker Abdi Hashi shall nominate 4 members to the Somaliland Electoral Team SEIT}, one member to the Federal Electoral Commission of Somaliland {FEIT} and one member to the Dispute Resolution Committee, the agreement reads.