By Ahmed H. Sufi
Mogadishu (Commentary) The statement from the Somalia’s International Partners reflects the intractability of the disagreements over the Somali electoral model. They cannot force Somali political stakeholders to sign an electoral agreement. Puntland and Jubaland demand renegotiation of 17 September electoral deal and subsequent Baidoa Recommendations. Hirshabelle, Galmudug, South West and Banadir view further concessions as an unnecessary imposition on them.
The recommendation from the International Community deepens the political rift. Who are the stakeholders holding the electoral process hostage if the signing of the electoral agreement is all that remains to be done for Somalia to hold elections? Further compromises on the electoral model are uncalled-for, so is the inclusion in the talks of other participants who did not sign the 17 September Agreement.