Tuesday June 29, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Electoral talks between Prime Minister Mohamed Roble and Federal Member States entered the second day today amid reports the talks will conclude by close of business.
The National Consultative Council which brings together the PM, FMS leaders and Banadir Regional Administration Governor met for the first time on Monday since the signing of the May 27 Agreement which sets a framework for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile government spokesman Mohamed Moalimuu has dismissed reports that the Council was considering changes to the May Agreement. Moalimuu told journalists there was no plan to reopen the agreement save for setting out the election schedule.
"There are no plans to change the May 27th agreement," Moalimuu said. He noted the Council will be working out on a timetable for the election which were to be held in 60 days since the signing of the agreement.
There have been media reports the Council might review the agreement to reduce the number of delegates and the polling centres in the upcoming elections.
However, given the lengthy process of selecting delegates who will elect the 275 MPs, the August timeline will likely be missed.
This is further compounded by the fact that unlike the 2016 elections, this year’s round involves 27,775 delegates which is double that of the 2016 round.