Elections lead Somalia onto dangerous path

The federal republic of Somalia may explode should Villa Somalia fail to change tact in the ongoing elections, analysts have warned.

Partners including UN, US, UK, Russia, Turkey, Germany, France, EU urge the completion of inclusive and credible House of the People elections acceptable by all electoral stakeholders and the Somali people according to a published timetable, by 24 December 2021 and for presidential elections to be completed imminently thereafter.

"We call for respect for the right of candidates to stand for election under conditions of genuine and fair competition.", "We encourage delegates and candidates wishing to submit electoral complaints to do so through the legal mechanisms established for this purpose."

The electoral process has gotten off to a staggered and chaotic start. Moreover, it threatens to be far more complicated and contentious. Opposition presidential candidates say current election process could lead country onto dangerous path. 

“The election irregularities and looting is the level that this country has never seen before,” Dahir Mohamud Geleh, spokesman for the candidates, told reporters.

Somalia is set to hold elections after delays that heightened political tensions. Political leaders agreed in May on a framework for parliamentary elections to be held within 60 days which, many hope, will avert a crisis that could push the fragile Horn of Africa country into political violence.