MOGADISHU (SD) – Hold free and fair elections in the country, Somalia’s international partners urged National Consultative Council (NCC) amid the leaders of the federal and regional state governments are holding talks over elections.

In a statement, United Nations special envoy to Somalia James Swan on Tuesday called Somali leaders to ensure that elections are credible and completed soon.   

“International partners urge the NCC to ensure that elections are credible and completed soon so Somalia can focus on other priority issues like security and development,” UN envoy to Somalia James Swan said on Twitter.

The partners said they encouraged improvements in the execution of the electoral process, including correcting deficiencies in procedural rules and ensuring clear timelines for the rapid completion of credible elections.

Representatives of the international community led by the UN head in Somalia James Swan joined in for the second day of the National Consultative Council meeting amid expectations of a way forward to conclude the long-running elections in the country.