MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has today reiterated his government’s commitment to hold elections in the Horn of Africa nation.

The fate of the country’s elections hung in balance as mandate of the incumbent president lapses 8th February with no commonly agreed date slated for the poll.

President Farmajo held meeting with members of the international Community in Mogadishu over the current political stalemate just two days after Jubbaland and Puntland states announced their FIEIT members, a major breakthrough to resolve the current political crisis in Somalia..

According to a statement by Villa Somalia, during the meeting, the president expressed his Government’s commitment to uphold the electoral agreement signed on 17 September 2020 as ratified by the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

“The President termed the progresses made in the polls preparation as a sign of his administration’s willingness to fulfill free, fair & transparent elections. This included the FGS-FMS agreement, approval of elections law, formation of Independent polls body and budget approval,” Villa Somalia said. ““We have made compromises in regards to the implementation of the electoral process and that needs commitment and encouragement to ensure elections happen in accordance with the constitution,” the statement reads in part.”

The meeting between the government and the envoys comes barely a day after International community called for a single agreed electoral process – without parallel or partial alternatives.

Somali partners said that the elections should be conducted peacefully with protection of political space and media freedom, guarantees the 30 per cent women’s quota, and results in a credible and inclusive outcome that serves the national interest.

“Holding timely, credible elections is a vital element of the partnership between Somalia and the international community. International partners urge all Somali leaders to make fair compromises necessary to ensure credible elections,” a statement by the partners said.