MOGADISHU (SD) – Some of Somalia’s regional state leaders have reportedly demanded the review of the 27th May poll agreement, citing security issues in some of the towns intended to host the parliamentary elections.
According reliable sources, Jubbaland backed by Puntland, HirShabelle and Southwest states have suggested the Agreement to be reconsidered reverting to the one polling station option.
Garbaharey (Jubbaland), Barawe (Southwest) and Beledweyne (HirShabelle) are scheduled to hold elections but their leaders expressed security concerns, saying the polling stations should be reduced.
Meanwhile government spokesman Mohamed Moalimuu has dismissed reports that the Council was considering changes to the May Agreement. Moalimuu told journalists there was no plan to reopen the agreement save for setting out the election schedule.
“There are no plans to change the May 27th agreement,” Moalimuu said.
He noted the Council will be working out on a timetable for the election which were to be held in 60 days since the signing of the agreement.
There have been media reports the Council might review the agreement to reduce the number of delegates and the polling centres in the upcoming elections.
According to sources, the talks which are a first since the signing of the electoral agreement on May 27 are expected to formulate and adopt an elections schedule, approve the recently released security plan and set a framework for the selection of clan elders and delegates.
The May 27 Agreement states that clan elders together with civil society organisations will work with regional governments in the selection of the delegates who will in turn elect the 275 MPs.
According to PM office, the Federal Indirect Elections Team (FIET) is made up of 25 individuals while the Federal Dispute Resolution Mechanism comprises 21 members.
The teams will oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections. The office of the PM also formed two federal and state-level electoral security teams.
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