Mogadishu (SD) – The Council of Union of Presidential Candidates met in Mogadishu today, expressing concern over the conduct of the scheduled elections, saying that unless changes are made, there are no signs that free and fair elections will take place in the country.

“The council is deeply concerned that free and fair elections will take place on time in the country, based on clear indications of the major challenges facing the country’s elections” said the council’ released statement.

The challenges are attributed to the lack of management of the electoral process for the Somaliland delegates, the situation in Gedo region remaining unresolved, Political and security challenges in Beledweyne, the election finances have not yet been set aside, as the election dates approaches and Preparations for the election of members of the upper house are very poor, casting doubt on the election timetable.

The Council of Candidates said in their statement that unless the above challenges were addressed immediately, it could delay the conduct of free and fair elections.

“The Council urges the government and the leaders to quickly address these challenges now, and prevent other potential issues, in implementing a free and fair elections on time, “the candidates statement said.

The council said that it was concerned about the interference of the outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in the country’s electoral process.

Somalia is set to hold upper house elections in a matter of days, as per the FIET schedule.