MOGADISHU – National and Regional representatives, as well as civil society organizations, from all over the country convened in Mogadishu to discuss the models of the 2016 electoral process in Somalia.
The two-day Somali National Consultative Forum (NCF) held in Mogadishu has attracted national leaders from the Federal Government and the Regions, key government institutions and departments, women and youth representatives.
The National Consultative Forum was convened to enable the country’s leaders to discuss different models for the 2016 electoral process.
Speaking at the opening, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud cited progress in implementing the Vision 2016, with ongoing formation of interim regional administrations and progress in the constitutional review process. President Hassan said the NCF would give Somalis a chance to decide and discuss the country’s future.
“This is a Somali-owned forum. Whatever we agree in this forum, we need to take the discussions to the people. But we first have to collectively agree on our priorities politically. I hope we reach the political maturity,” said President Hassan.
In his assurance, Prime Minister Sharmarke said, “We are committed to hear the views and the forum will gather the views of the Somali people and has been organized in a way that will reflect these views in an inclusive and representative way.”
The Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Jawaari said, “This is a critical transition and we have to remain decisive and united and it should be Somali-owned and Somali-led based on the interests of the Somali people.”
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) to Somalia, Nicholas Kay noted “Respect for the constitutional deadline of 2016 is paramount. We hope your process will be based on a spirit of reconciliation, inclusivity and placing the national interest above all other interests. In 2016, we look forward to a more representative Parliament, more inclusive, and more answerable to the Somali people.”
“As a friend of Somalia and as a representative of United Nations, I respectfully hope the next Parliament will include a major increase in the number of women and youth Members of Parliament,” emphasized Kay, as only a fully inclusive process will participate in the advancement of community stabilization, social cohesion and consolidating peace.
