The leaders of Forum for National Parties (FNP) in Somalia have called upon President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to convene a meeting between his government and the regional administrations to discuss upcoming elections in the country.
Speaking during a joint press briefing on Tuesday evening, former Presidents, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sheikh Sharif Ahmed also advised the head of state to come clear on the timetable of the Presidential and Parliamentary polls.
“We discussed the situation in Somalia in light of the difficult transition period. We urge President Farmajo to clarify his position on the date of the next election and how to find consensus between Federal Government, Federal member states, and other stakeholders.” Said former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.
Likewise, the Forum for National Parties leaders which sought support from the international community welcomed a statement by the speaker of Upper House of the parliament, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi which urged the office of the President to engage in dialogue with federal member states to reach consensus on election model.
“We welcome the resolution by the Upper House of the parliament urging the FGS to constructively dialogue with federal member states and other stakeholders on elections. We call on the international community to provide the necessary support to this Somali-led initiative. “
Meanwhile, the leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland states have also added their voice in support of the calls by the opposition leaders calling for an urgent forum between the leadership of the federal government and member states to decide on an agreed democratic process in the country.
