US puts pressure on Somali leaders amid election fiasco

The statement comes as the opposition presidential candidates’ union announced it will boycott the result of the ongoing election over fraud, misconduct, and lack of transparency in the voting process.

News Keydmedia Online
15 December 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu has doubled pressure on the leaders of the five Federal States in Somalia amid delays in the election for the 329-seat parliament and president.

In a tweet, the American diplomatic mission said a timely, broadly accepted process is critical to Somalia’s future and warned the regional leaders against further delays in the electoral process.

“We urge Deni, Ahmed Madobe, Qoor-Qoor, Guudlaawe, and Lafta-gareen to avoid further delays and swiftly conclude credible, transparent, and inclusive elections,” said the U.S. embassy on Wednesday.

The statement comes as the opposition presidential candidates’ union announced it will boycott the result of the ongoing election over fraud, misconduct, and lack of transparency in the voting process.

The opposition coalition led by former presidents called for the suspension of the election and convene a conference that brings together the stakeholders and the international community to fix the crisis.

The country has failed to hold a peaceful and timely election this year after the outgoing president Farmajo attempted to extend his mandate by two more illegal years that led to violence in the capital.

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