Baidoa, 14 February 2016 – Ambassadors and representatives from the international community – the African Union Mission in Somalia, the European Union, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda – led by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Michael Keating, visited Baidoa earlier today. The Office of the Prime Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary.
They were invited to listen to views on the Federal Government’s decision on an electoral model for 2016, its implementation, and proposals for a Road Map to 2020 which will lead to ‘one person, one vote’ elections. They met with President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and members of his cabinet, the Speaker and members of the South West Regional Assembly, leaders from civil society including women and traditional elders.
South West representatives voiced their support for the electoral model that will be used later this year, especially the retention of the ‘4.5’ formula for choosing members of the Lower House. They raised concerns about the Upper House but agreed to the Federal Government’s decision in the interest of peace, unity and the national interest. They expressed support for a move to universal suffrage by 2020 as long as key issues are addressed, including security and fair representation.
South West representatives voiced their support for the electoral model that will be used later this year, especially the retention of the ‘4.5’ formula for choosing members of the Lower House. They raised concerns about the Upper House but agreed to the Federal Government’s decision in the interest of peace, unity and the national interest. They expressed support for a move to universal suffrage by 2020 as long as key issues are addressed, including security and fair representation.
“This was a very useful visit,” said SRSG Keating. “The challenge now facing all Somalis is both implementation of the electoral model this year, and mapping out the road to 2020”.
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