SOMALIA: POSITION PAPER ON THE NCF KISMAYO MEETING OF THE JANUARY 10 – 17, 2016.
In pursuant to the outcome of the 2nd National Consultative Forum held in Mogadishu in mid December, 2015, Somali leaders met in Kismayo, Jubaland State of Somalia between the 10th and 17th of January, 2016 to further discuss and agree on a viable model for the electoral process, an implementation plan, and a political roadmap for the period 2016 -2020.
After much deliberation among the Somali leaders on the electoral model for 2016, in particular, the nature of representation and composition of the upper and lower house, the meeting ended without agreement due to divergent and obdurate views from some of the leaders.
Throughout the meeting and as shared with our international partners, it is worth emphasizing that the Government of Puntland has been very flexible for the sake of national interest, and has offered a number of viable compromises and workable options that would be deliberated to achieve an agreeable electoral model.
Unfortunately, there was no reciprocity to compromise from some of the leaders due to their personal political agenda, contrary to the spirit of the Mogadishu Communique of the 16th of December, 2015 resulting in the current political quagmire.
In views of this, the government of Puntland reiterates its position once again on the representation and composition of both houses.
The lower house should be constituency based on pre-1991 districts.
The upper house should also be based on the pre-1991 eighteen regions.
On a final note, to prevent a repeat of the past political stalemate sadly associated with Somali history, the Government of Puntland calls upon all sides to show leadership and political maturity. We are also of the opinion that any political settlement must incorporate the position of all Somali stakeholders and warn against any unilateral declaration by any party that does not represent the collective interest of the Somali people.
The End
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