18 points from the Consultative Council meeting
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The meeting of the National Consultative Council in Mogadishu between the heads of state, the mayor of Mogadishu and the Prime Minister Roble has concluded.
The conference produced 18 articles on the country’s electoral process and security following a six-day debate.
One of the key issues discussed at the meeting was the security of the Presidential Palace by AMISOM troops, without ever discussing security in the country, which according to our sources could not be agreed upon.
Similarly, the various forces of the federal government are urged not to interfere in political affairs and to focus only on their security duties.
Elections for the House of the People are scheduled to be completed within 40 days from 15 January to 25 February this year.
The proposal of the Union of Candidates for a change in the conduct of the House of the People was accepted, and most of the points were related to resolving the grievances arising from the election.
Read the full conference statement below
Statement of the National Consultative Assembly
The National Consultative Assembly convened on 3-9 January 2022 in Mogadishu, with the aim of finalizing the provisions of the 24 August 2021 Conference, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Hussein Roble, in the presence of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, Jubbaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islan, Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi Kariye, HirShabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein and Governor of Benadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu Mr. Omar Mohamud Mohamed.
The National Consultative Assembly also invited representatives from the Union of Candidates, Civil Society, Women and the International Community.
The meeting of the National Consultative Assembly discussed improving the transparency of the elections, the completion of the elections to the House of the People, the timing of the completion of the elections to the House of the People, ensuring election security and reporting on the general political situation, security and drought.
Pursuant to the Electoral Agreement of 17 September 2020, the Agreement of 27-May 2021 and the Electoral Procedures of 01 October 2020 and 24 August 2021, the National Consultative Assembly, taking into account the recommendations and complaints received, has adopted the following provisions:
1. Prior to the election of each seat in the House of the People, the names of the members of the Delegation Selection Committee consisting of Records and elders and the civil society of the communities sharing the seats must be clarified, registered and published.
2. The State Electoral Commission (SIEIT) shall share with the Federal Electoral Commission and the Arbitration Commission at the polling station, the names of the members of the Delegation Selection Committee;
3. The Federal Electoral Commission and the FGS Member Commissions are independent in the conduct of the elections, in accordance with the agreement of 17 September 2020, 1 October 2020, 27 May 2021, 22 August 2021 and the communiqué of 9 January, 2022.
4. The Federal Government and Federal Election Implementation Commissions should ensure that the Electoral Delegates are selected by the Traditional Elders;
5. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the Federal Government and the Dispute Resolution Committees shall fully ensure that the candidates for the Parliamentary Seats, the Selection Committees and the selected delegates meet the requirements set out in the agreements. and agreed procedures;
6. The selection of the delegates shall be entirely independent of the elders, clan leaders and the civil society of the community and sub-clan and the seat shall not be interfered with;
7. Prior to the election of each seat, the Selection Commissions and Electoral Delegates shall be trained to carry out their duties, in accordance with the requirements and procedures of the Elections;
8. Delegates should not be prevented from meeting with candidates running for office;
9. The election of each seat shall be witnessed by the Electoral Commission, the Media and Independent Observers, in order to ensure the transparency and openness of the election of each seat;
10. The National Consultative Assembly urges all Electoral Commission and Dispute Resolution Committees to abide by the Agreements and Guidelines governing the elections, and anyone who attempts otherwise will be held accountable;
11. In order to maintain the co-operation of the Electoral Commissions, the National Consultative Assembly shall inform all the Electoral Commissions at all levels, to maintain law and order, and to act in accordance with established Electoral Agreements and Procedures;
12. The National Consultative Assembly urges the Electoral Management Committees to uphold the quota for women in the constituency elections;
13. No candidate who meets the requirements of the Electoral Procedures shall be barred from running for office in his community, and no particular candidate shall be barred from running for office;
14. All candidates should have equal opportunity to meet and campaign for seats;
15. Delegates electing Members of the House of the People shall be exempt from paying the fee for the acquittal fee and any other fees;
16. The Armed Forces must be politically neutral, maintain their duty to protect the security of the country and the people, and abide by all the laws and regulations of the country;
17. AMISOM must strengthen the security of the Presidential Palace.
18. The current Parliamentary elections will be concluded between 15 January and 25 February;
