Presidential Candidates Mustn’t Cause the Somali Electoral Process to Stall
Mogadishu (PP Editorial) — In 2016 Puntland State rejected to sign up to the election based the 4.5 power-sharing. Puntland viewed the electoral model as violation of the pledge to hold one person, one vote elections in 2017, but supported the election if the same power-sharing system will not be repeated in 2021. The Federal Government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prepared the enhanced electoral model through which the Upper House had become the second arm of the new bicameral house.
The 2021 election is less onerous than the 2017 elections in the sense that the same selection process for MPs and Senators will have to be repeated. Why are Presidential Candidates questioning the process that, under the September 2020 agreement, granted Federal Member States more powers in process? It is discouraging that Jubaland demanded the withdrawal of Somali Army from Gedo region as a precondition to nominate members of the electoral commission. Puntland supported Jubaland’s stance in total disregard for the status of Kismayo-based administration as a representative of a multi-clan Federal Member State unlike Puntland.