Thursday January 20, 2022
Omar Abdirashid: Election looting will cast doubt on the legitimacy of incoming governmentMogadishu (HOL) - Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid says he is deeply concerned about the conduct of Somali leaders during the country's electoral process.
Omar Abdirashid said the rigging of parliamentary seats would cast severe doubts on the new government's legitimacy.
"The blatant interference into clan delegates has led to unfair elections, as regional governments have been empowered to have (their own) delegates rather than clan representatives," Omar Abdirashid said.
Omar blamed the regional governments for the recruitment of delegates, which he said was a serious breach of the electoral process.
"With the threat of sanctions looming, elections may proceed now, but if regional principals are wise & committed to fair elections, they will: embrace transparency, aim at placing the ballots in neutral places such as education facilities & keep the process open to all candidates.”