GAROWE (SD) – Somalia’s political leaders, thinkers, activists have been converging in the administrative capital of Puntland state, Garowe for the last three to attend annual HIPS forum for ideas.

The Forum for Ideas which is orchestrated by Mogadishu based Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) will focus on ending the perpetual transition in Somalia.

The event is expected to open its doors today and will run for three days.

Among the figures attending the conference are Former Somali presidents, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former presidents of Southwest and Galmudug states, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and Abdikarim Filed respectively.

Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Gulaid is among other senior government officials among them speakers of both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament.

The event comes amid impasse over electoral process as the senate elections process is announced to commence on January 7 through to 14.

The electoral process was opposed by opposition candidates, accusing the federal government of planning to rig the upcoming.