MOGADISHU (SD) – In a joint statement, Somalia’s international partners have issued a statement calling for the elections for speakers of both houses of parliament and the presidency.

“International partners* note that more than eighty percent of the House of the People seats were completed as of the deadline of 15 March set by the National Consultative Council.” the Partners said.

We strongly urge all Somali stakeholders to resolve any obstacles to completion of the process in the remaining voting sites through dialogue and on a consensus basis, so as to rapidly and credibly conclude the elections. We, therefore, call upon all political leaders to avoid approaches, including a parallel process, that are not based on an agreement among the key actors.”

Members of the international community also demanded that efforts be redoubled to achieve the 30 per cent quota for women in parliament.

“International partners urge Somali leaders to announce preparations for the Hangar and pledge their commitment to respect Somalia’s constitutional provisions regarding a fair and impartial process to elect the Speakers of the two Houses of parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” the statement read.

The statement from Somalia’s friends comes at a time when the swearing-in of lawmakers is been disputed by regional member states.