Presidential candidates representing Somaliland’s Waddani and Ucid parties convened individual press briefings to formally support the proposal put forth by the mediation committee in relation to the forthcoming elections, which have been a subject of contention among key stakeholders.
The Opposition parties have conveyed their optimism concerning the suggested approach, which advocates for the combination of the Presidential and political association elections. This proposal is viewed as a potentially constructive means to address the persistent political disputes.
Abdirahman Irro, the Presidential candidate from the Waddani party, announced his party’s favorable reception of the committee’s recommendation. He encouraged other political entities to similarly align with this decision. Irro emphasized his consistent stance of not opposing the interventions undertaken by mediators since the onset of the political discord.
Also, the Chairperson of the Ucid party stated that his party has opted to endorse the electoral recommendations in the interest of the populace. Feisal expressed regret over the Speaker of the House of Elders’ failure to acknowledge or consider a prior decision reached by the House of Representatives and a voluntary mediation committee last year.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s announcement, Political associations have issued varying responses while some have immediately supported the proposal, others have extended their rejection for the committee’s proposed course of action.
By Hussein Jama
August 28, 2023
