Calls for mass demonstrations to protest delay in Somali presidential elections
Political activities in Somalia are succeeding to refuse to postpone the presidential elections and continue under the authority of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, who has illegally outdated his constitutional powers and does not deserve to stay in the presidential palace. Among these activities is the call for demonstrations next Friday to denounce the postponement of the elections. Members of the federal parliament in its two chambers held an emergency meeting in which they announced a national bloc to save the country from political deterioration that would take the country’s political and security progress backward.
According to sources, the meeting was attended by about a
hundred representatives who looked for changes in the political situation, on
top of which is the heated dispute over the federal elections.
In a press statement to the media, opposition MP Mahad Salad
said that the outgoing leadership had failed to hold the elections and settle
the dispute with the leaders of the regional states, adding, “The
constitutional powers of the Somali leadership have ended, and we will not
accept decisions contrary to the law to extend the mandate of the failed
government in managing the country.”
Political differences are escalating between the Somali
parties, while the international community is calling on all parties to resume
talks to get out of the crisis, urging the Somali federal government and
regional states to consult with other political partners in electoral affairs. A
statement issued by the international community emphasized the need to complete
the agreement of September 17 between the regional states and the federal
government.
The statement indicated that the international community
hopes that all parties will bear fruit in the efforts of the successive Dhusamareb
summits and the dialogue with a constructive intention.
“The time has come when all parties should move away from holding
on to side decisions and agree to accelerate the electoral process,” the
statement added, while the opposition Council of Presidential Candidates warned
the federal government against trying to disrupt the popular demonstrations
called for next Friday.
Presidential candidate Taher Mahmoud Jaili, who spoke on
behalf of the council, indicated that there was news of government efforts to
disrupt the demonstrations scheduled to take place at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier in Mogadishu.
Jaili called on the armed forces to play their role in
maintaining the security of the demonstrators, stressing that they would be
peaceful protests.
The Council of Presidential Candidates had called for
organizing peaceful protests in which its members, including prominent
politicians and former presidents, participated against the postponement of the
presidential elections. The federal government did not officially respond to
the concerns of the presidential candidates, but it had previously suppressed
demonstrations against Farmaajo and accused the organizers of inciting riots.
The leader of the council, former President Sharif Sheikh
Ahmed, confirmed in a press conference that Farmaajo’s constitutional powers
have expired and he does not deserve to stay in the presidential palace
illegally.
“Farmaajo failed to abide by the country's constitution and
internal regulations during his presidential term, and he also failed to find a
consensual vision for holding the federal elections on time,” Ahmed added.
He stated that the council will hold large peaceful
demonstrations in Mogadishu next Friday, demanding a political consensus that
would lead the country to hold fair elections.
The council had previously announced that it does not
recognize Farmaajo's presidency following the end of his constitutional term,
accusing him of failing to reach an agreement with the heads of regional states
and other political parties.
