Mogadishu (SD) – A statement from the prime minister’s office confirmed that PM Roble had an online meeting with federal member state leaders tonight and discuss the upcoming elections.

“An online meeting between the leaders of the National Consultative Council chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble tonight focused on accelerating the country’s electoral process.” the statement said.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Roble briefed regional leaders on the ongoing controversy over the members of the election committee for the seats of the Federal Parliament in the northern regions which he received today in his office.

“Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble briefed the leaders on the progress of resolving the dispute over the election of the leadership of the Northern Regional Electoral Commission from Somaliland. The council fully supported the Prime Minister’s efforts to complete the formation of the Chairman of the Northern Electoral Commission and today the Prime Minister informed the members of the commission to immediately elect their leadership,” the statement said.

The dispute over the Northern Electoral Commission is rooted in political tensions between politicians from the northern regions who have split into two factions led by Abdi Hashi and Mahdi Guled.

The meeting between the leaders of the National Consultative Assembly of Prime Minister Roble and the heads of state follows the election of members of the 11th Upper House of Parliament in Jubbaland and Southwest.

The leaders of the other three federal states have not yet submitted their lists of candidates for the Upper House, but are expected to do so in the coming days.