MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The United Nations (UN) has called on all parties and stakeholders to work together to ensure peaceful presidential election to take place in Southwest state.
In a statement, UN to Somalia, Nicholas Haysom has urged the sides to come up with an inclusive electoral process in accordance with the established rules.
The envoy said the well-discussed electoral process would avoid any behaviour which may lead to conflict or undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
He warned division among the stakeholders ahead of the upcoming presidential election could potentially lead to violence.
“With this election being the first in a series to be held around the country – both at the regional level next year and national level in 2020 – there is a real need to set the precedent for credible and peaceful electoral processes,” said, “I note that Somalia’s international partners had expressed similar hopes and concerns in November 2016 during the country’s federal parliamentary elections, when it called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring a positive outcome.”
“I am confident that, in keeping with their tradition, Somali leaders will find a solution, through dialogue, to the issues surrounding this electoral process. An electoral process that is transparent, enjoys broad consensus on the rules governing its conduct, and is free from irregularities can only promote widespread acceptance of the results, and avoid violent confrontations at or after polling,” Mr. Haysom stated.
Mr. Haysom called for dialogue on a credible and peaceful presidential poll in Southwest State
“I note that Somalia’s international partners had expressed similar hopes and concerns in November 2016 during the country’s federal parliamentary elections, when it called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring a positive outcome,” he said.
The regional assembly of South West State is due to hold a presidential election on 17 November. Similar votes will take place in the Federal Member States of Puntland and Jubaland in 2019.
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