Somalia's international partners call on Somali parties to engage in dialogue on electoral process
International partners have expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflict between the Federal Government of Somalia and Jubaland State following the recent National Consultative Council meeting. A joint statement from the partners urged stakeholders to engage in “constructive and inclusive discussions” on the electoral process. The call for dialogue comes after Jubaland severed ties with the federal government, a move that has exacerbated tensions.“We urge Jubaland State to return to the National Consultative Council for an open discussion of all outstanding issues, and to restore relations with the Federal Government of Somalia,” the statement said. The partners also encouraged all parties to “refrain from provocations and re-engage in open dialogue, before the conclusion of any electoral processes.”
The international community expressed support for state-building efforts in Somalia, particularly the move towards one-person-one-vote elections. The statement called for an electoral system that is “inclusive, widely accepted, achievable and ensures national security and stability.”
The statement is a message to both the federal government, Jubaland state and the political opposition in Somalia, as Jubaland has started holding its own elections despite the Somali government challenging its legitimacy, and the federal government is continuing its electoral programme despite objections from Puntland and Jubaland states and their senior politicians, and the statement calls on everyone to reach a consensus on the elections.
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