– The International Community has urged Somali officials to remove roadblocks in the run-up to the Lower House elections.
In a joint statement released Friday, the partners, led by the United Nations, stated that unresolved issues must be resolved in order for the process to be completed.
“We strongly urge all Somali stakeholders to resolve any difficulties to the conclusion of the process in the remaining polling sites via conversation and consensus, so that the elections can be completed quickly and credibly,” read part of the statement.
Except for HirShabelle and Jubaland, all Federal Member States, Somaliland, and the Banaadiri community had elected all MPs as of Friday. The latter two states still have 13 and 20 seats to fill, respectively.
Due to a long-running rivalry between Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe and President Mohamed Farmaajo, who are fighting for control of the polls in Gerbaharey, all 16 seats have remained vacant.
The elections in HirShabelle have been hampered by feuds between President Ali Gudlawe and his deputy, Yusuf Dabageed. Three seats in Beletweyne are yet to be filled, while the state of Jowhar has yet to elect ten MPs.
The international community has also advised Somali authorities to prepare for the election’s final phase.