UN calls for free and peaceful polls in Jubbaland state

Hiiraan Online
Tuesday July 16, 2019

KISMAYO (HOL) - UN envoy in Somalia on Monday called for peaceful presidential election in the country's Southern regional State of Jubaland ahead of the poll in August.

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James Swan, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia who visited Kismayu on Monday has held talks with Jubbaland authorities.

During the meeting, the sides discussed a range of issues regarding security, economic development, and governance in Jubaland.

"We had a frank exchange on plans for the Jubaland Federal Member State to select new members of parliament and indirectly elect the president," said Swan in statement.

He called on all parties and stakeholders to work together to ensure that the electoral process proceeds in accordance with the established rules and avoids any behavior which may lead to conflict or undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

"I underscored the strong views of key international partners that this process must take place without violence, on time, and without interference, and that it follow a fair and transparent process broadly acceptable to all," the envoy stated.

The envoy condemned Friday's Kismayu hotel attack saying the terror attacks will not derail efforts to stabilize Somalia.

"I also share with the people of Jubaland the determination not to let a despicable act of terrorism derail the progress that Jubaland has made towards reconciliation and political stability, as a Federal Member State of Somalia," the UN official said.

He extended his condolences to the families and friends of the heneous attack.

"On behalf of the UN team in Somalia, I present my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. There is no political or ideological justification for such atrocities," he mourned.

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