27/05/2021
National Consultative talks end successfully
PM’S SPEECH, MAY 27, 2021
• Today, May 27, 2021, marks a historic moment and turns a golden page in Somalia's State Building and Governance History.
• Several days of negotiations between the FGS, FMS and Benadir Region in the spirit of responsiveness, compromise and consensus have, in the interest of the Nation & people, culminated in a mutually acceptable solution to the national electoral impasse.
• Based on the September 17, 2020 agreement which provided for indirect electoral process, and considering the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Committee, consensus have been reached on all the contentious issues: the election in Gedo Region, the Northern Regions’ Electoral Process, the composition of the Federal and Federal Member States Level electoral commissions as well as the management of the election security.
Gratefully, trust and cooperation between the Federal Government and Federal Member States have also been restored.
• I would like to commend the Presidents of the Federal Member States of Puntland, South West, Jubaland, HirShabelle, Galmudug and the Governor of Banadir who have truly shown a great degree of flexibility, compromise, patience and leadership that have enabled us to resolve outstanding issues within a short period of time.
• I would also like to acknowledge the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo” for his efforts in the electoral process and for the concessions he made that led to the agreement we are celebrating today.
• I equally thank the honorable members of Federal Parliament of Somalia and their leadership for their wisdom in bringing us back on the electoral track having previously approved the September 17 Agreement that formed the basis for the country's current electoral process.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
• As I had previously committed to, my Government and I are steadfast in implementing this agreement and to lead the country's elections in a transparent, free and fair manner that does not infringe upon anyone’s rights, God-willing.
• Pursuant to the September 17 agreement, it is incumbent upon me and all other leaders here to ensure that women get their fair quota of seats in the legislatures.
• I want to particularly extend my gratitude to the noble Somali people for their patience and support in consolidating stability and governance, as I call upon them to continue supporting us in delivering the heavy responsibility bestowed upon us of holding elections.
I will never forget your heartfelt massages of goodwill, prayers and words of encouragements that you have been sharing with me throughout the difficult period, which really contributed to the success we are rejoicing today in concluding this national consultative conference.
• I am highly optimistic and confident that there will be inclusive elections in our country. But "A solitary finger does not wash a forehead." I therefore call on all these leaders and the public to support us in fulfilling our responsibilities.
• Finally, I would like to earnestly thank the international community for its role in state-building in Somalia, and call for their technical, political and financial support towards the holding of the National Elections.
We are committed to holding transparent and inclusive elections.
Long live Somalia.
