Somalia seeks political harmony ahead of 2016 elections

MOGADISHU —- In an attempt to evade political wrangles related to the upcoming elections, Somalia’s government has convened a national consultative forum with the attendance of the country’s political stakeholders to enable the transfer of power when the government’s mandate expires in 2016.

The consultative forum which involves the country stakeholders including regional leaders and civil society seeks ‘guiding principles’ presented and endorsed at high-level partnership forum which was held in the Somali capital in July.

The forum hosted by Somali government tries to brainstorm the most appropriate ways to hold transparent and inclusive elections in 2016, and enabling power transfer when the current government’s term expires in 2016.

According to Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution, adopted in 2012, the mandates of the Somali Federal Parliament and of the Government would come to an end in August and September 2016, respectively.

Somalia’s government has proposed a presidential election in 2016, however, it dismissed the likelihood of holding popular elections due to security challenges.

The Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab group continues to carry out violent attacks across Somalia by carrying out guerrilla attacks including suicide attacks and assasinations.

Monday’s forum precedes another similar forum scheduled in December to reach a consensual decision on the most appropriate electoral process for 2016 to ensure transparency, inclusivity and adequate representation of women, youth and minority groups.

The international community which is spearheading efforts aimed at restoring peace and order into the horn of Africa nation shattered by decades-old conflict mandated the current government to lead country into general elections following the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a new parliament and adoption of a new constitution in 2012.