Somali opposition wants transparency in Lower House election

The country’s election has been delayed twice after a months-long political dispute between the outgoing president and leaders of the five Federal States, a leading outbreak of violence in the capital in April.

News Keydmedia Online
16 August 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The main opposition alliance in Somalia voiced concern over the outgoing president’s meddling in the country’s parliamentary election as he seeks re-election this year.

In a statement, the union of the presidential candidates called for a free and fair vote for the Lower House MPs after the Senate ballot was marred by favoritism and irregularities, raising fears of post-election violence.

They urged PM Roble to expand the dialogue on the electoral issues to join the key stakeholders, including the opposition and civil society groups in order to hold the election in an inclusive manner.

The statement suggested the previous 135 clan elders serve as the basis for selecting delegates to elect members of the lower house which comprises 275 MPs who will join the Senate to pick a president.

The country’s election has been delayed twice after a months-long political dispute between the outgoing president and leaders of the five Federal States, a leading outbreak of violence in the capital in April.

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