WASHINGTON (SD) – United Nations (UN) has commended the conclusion of Somalia’s upper house election which was completed this month, expressing concern over the less female senators elected

About 14 women will be among the 54 Senators in the Upper House, representing 26 per cent of parliamentarians there.

Speaking via video-conference to brief the Security, Council, James Swan, UN Special Representative for Somalia said this figure falls short of the 30 per cent quota for women’s participation.

Mr. Swan commended completion of the indirect elections for the Upper House of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, which began in July, and the start of those for the lower chamber, known as the House of the People.

“Although progress is being made, the efforts of Somalia’s political leaders will need to be redoubled in the coming weeks to bring the elections for the Federal Parliament to a successful conclusion, so that the presidential elections can then be held as soon as possible,” he said. “The completion of these elections is more important than ever, so that all effort can return to the key governance, security, and development priorities in Somalia.”

The envoy said the UN will continue its engagement and support towards advancing the indirect polls, with clan representatives electing parliamentarians who will then vote for the president.  

“We continue to stress that women’s full inclusion and representation in political life, and in all sectors of life, is key for Somalia’s sustainable peace and development”, said Mr. Swan.

Only two of the 275 seats in the lower house have been filled so far, and 30 per cent are also reserved for women.

About 14 women will be among the 54 Senators in the Upper House, representing 26 per cent of parliamentarians there.