Mogadishu (SD) – The international community has issued a statement on the recent Hirshabelle elections resulting the creation the second Hirshabelle State regional parliament and president.

“ We look forward to working with the new Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe in advancing reconciliation, bringing together all Hirshabelle clans and communities, combatting violent extremism and addressing Hirshabelle’s state building and socio-economic priorities.” Said the statement from the international community.

The international community has also addressed the ambiguity surrounding the electoral process in Somalia, calling on all parties involved in the implementation of this election.

“Regarding the 2020/21 federal vote, we stress the importance of preserving the spirit of consensus which led to agreements during the Federal and Federal Member States leaders’ consultations in Dhusamareb and Mogadishu. We encourage sustained dialogue within the framework of the National Consultative Council and with other key stakeholders to keep the electoral process on track and inclusive.” Said the Statement.

The statement, issued by the United Nations Office in Mogadishu and signed by a number of organizations and governments with an interest in Somalia, added “We particularly emphasize that achieving broad consensus on the establishment of the electoral management committees, which should include 30 per cent representation of women, and on resolving differences on how the federal vote will be conducted in the Gedo region and for the seats allocated to the Somaliland communities, will be critical to the transparency, legitimacy, feasibility and timely implementation of the electoral process. We call on FGS and FMS leaders, the electoral management bodies, clan elders and civil society to take all necessary steps to ensure that at least 30 per cent of the MPs and Senators from each community are women and that the elections will be held in a timely manner.”

The international community’s statement concluded with a commitment to see Somalia hold a successful elections “We will continue to engage all Somali stakeholders to advocate transparent implementation of a Somali-led, credible and peaceful federal vote based on consensus and the commitments reached by the National Consultative Council.”