Mogadishu (SD) – The Council of Presidential Candidates has issued a statement following a series of meetings in Mogadishu on the country’s electoral process, declaring that what is going on cannot be described as an election but a robbery that could lead to political turmoil, instability and insecurity.

“The Council of Presidential Candidates held meetings in Mogadishu on 25-30 / 11/2021 focusing on the political situation in the country, in particular the electoral process that is expected to take place in the country,” the statement said.

The Council’s statement added “Now, if all the requirements for transparency and openness are eliminated, the forthcoming election has turned into a naked robbery that could lead to political conflict, instability, and the collapse of the state.”

The statement also said that federal and state leaders would be held accountable for the consequences of the election.

The council issued seven points summarizing the shortcomings of the current election, including lack of registered delegates, incumbent MPs denied candidacy, lack of monitoring.

The statement also said that the Union of Candidates could not condone the alleged looting of the election.

The candidates’ statement comes days after a meeting in Mogadishu with the country’s MP Mohamed Roble, which they lodged the election complaint.