The Somali Future Council Rejects the Election Schedule Announced by the Electoral Commission

Mogadishu — The Somali Future Council (GMS) has clearly opposed the election schedule for the two Houses of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and the President of the Federal Republic, which was announced by the Federal Government's Election Commission.

The Council stated in a statement that it strongly condemns the election schedule, arguing that a political agreement acceptable to all has not been reached regarding the electoral process in the country. The Somali Future Council described this step as one that further distances the possibility of reaching an agreement on the elections, while also undermining the mediation efforts being made by international partners to achieve a political agreement.

The statement also mentioned the major challenges facing Somalia, including the threat of Al-Shabaab and ISIS, the risks of El Niño floods, economic hardship, and the escalating tensions in the region. The Council stated that these challenges can be overcome through cooperation and collaboration, but believes that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision could lead to political turmoil, conflict, and a decline in public trust and unity.

It also argued that the consequences of a one-sided election are already evident in the ongoing conflict in South West and the divisions in Hirshabelle. The Somali Future Council has expressed its readiness for genuine dialogue to reach a consensus agreement, which would establish an electoral process and a feasible schedule for implementation.

The Council has called on the President to halt unilateral actions and return to the negotiating table. It added that if he insists on his decision, he will take other constitutional and political measures that he stated are aimed at protecting the rights of the Somali people for a legally legitimate leadership election.

The statement also indicated that no individual or specific group can unilaterally determine the political future of Somalia. The Council warned that the ongoing conflict could lead to parallel electoral processes, placing the responsibility for the consequences on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and anyone who supports the actions he described as unilateral.

Finally, the Somali Future Council urged the public to collectively oppose the actions it described as illegal and unconstitutional, which pose a threat to the unity of the country, the solidarity of the people, the federal system, and the state-building process in Somalia.

The Council also called on international partners and stakeholders in Somali affairs to participate in efforts to seek a political agreement and safeguard the future of the country's governance.