Yet another Delay for the Somali Polls

The opposition Council of Presidential Candidates, or CPS, released a statement saying they reject a new election roadmap proposed by the federal government and regional leaders. The opposition argues that the process would give five regional leaders too much power in selecting the electoral delegates who will choose 275 members of parliament. Opposition leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said there is need for a clear path towards the process on who will select the delegates and whom they represent since the parliamentary polls is based on the 4.5 power sharing formula.  The former head of state adds they don’t want another delay on the polls, which were already delayed twice before, and thus demands a clear timetable. The 4.5 formula refers to a plan for sharing power among Somalia’s dominant clans. The indirect election of the parliamentarians is scheduled to commence early next month before the crucial presidential poll on October 10th. But analysts say this new stalemate will delay the presidential poll if not urgently resolved.

SOURCE: VOA