The United Nations Office in Somalia (UNSOM) has lauded the steps by the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) in preparation for one man one vote in the country.
“The UN in Somalia thanks the chairperson of the electoral commission Halima Ismail for presenting technical options to achieve direct voting for Somalis as early as March 2021.” The UN said.
Mrs. Ismail appeared before the National Assembly on Saturday where she presented two options for historic Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the country.
She called upon the house to select between the manual voter registration and biometric process for successful voting before March 2021.
However, the UN urged Somali political leaders to agree on the preferred system of elections ahead of the upcoming planned meeting between the leadership of the Federal Government and the Federal Member States.
“Now that the election commission has presented electoral options, the UN
urges broad consultation among Somali political leaders to reach consensus on way forward the planned meeting of Federal Govt. and the Federal Member States is a good next step.”
Meanwhile, The European Union joined the UN in congratulating the Somali National Independent Electoral Commission saying the options presented before the parliament are technically realistic and cost-effective.
“The EU joins UN in congratulating NIEC and its Chairperson for the presentation yesterday. We also insist on the need for political consensus based on agreed principles, the opening of political space (from selection to election), and timely elections. March 2021 option seems technically more realistic, financially more cost-effective, and better aligned with agreed principles.”
