NEW YORK (Halbeeg News) – UN Special Representative James Swan has called on Somali leaders to engage in to end the “stalemate” between the central government and federal member states.
Addressing the Security Council on Thursday, the top UN official in the country underscored the need to forge political consensus to realize to the upcoming election.
“This will entail dialogue and compromise between the central government and Federal Member States; between the executive and legislature; between current office-holders and those now out of power; and between elite leaders and those community elders, civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups who give voice to so many Somalis”, he said.
He termed the differences between the federal government and its member states as an obstacle to achieving important national priorities.
“After more than a year without effective cooperation between the Central Government and key Federal Member States, Somalia’s leaders must act urgently to break this stalemate between the Center and the Federal Member States in the interest of the nation,” he said.
Swan further highlighted the need for Parliament to pass the electoral code and adopt amendments to the political parties’ law before the end of this year.
“Any delay in this timeline puts the 2020 electoral calendar at risk,” he warned.
The election will mark just the third time that Somalia has had universal suffrage since its independence in 1960.
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