This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, Somali leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to holding the country's first universal suffrage elections since 1969, despite ongoing challenges.
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, Somalia's ambassador to the UN Abubakar Dahir Osman, and the Speaker of the Senate, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, have all pledged to ensure the country holds its elections on time.
Parliament was set to meet on June 6 to review the election timetable, with the seventh session scheduled to open in April to hear the report of the National Independent Electoral Commission on the mode of election.
According to Ismail Muhktar Omar, spokesperson for the Somalia Ministry of Information, the government is working to reach out to stakeholders to ensure the one-person-one vote elections.
“Holding a timely election is more important than anything else at this time and it’s one of the primary goals which the public entrusted us with,” said PM Kheyre, who instructed the Cabinet to focus on ensuring the 2020/2021 elections are held on time.
Mr Osman stated that the country is determined to conduct a one-man one-vote election, while Mr Abdullahi expressed optimism that parliament will clear the many tasks awaiting it, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parliamentary elections are set for December 2020, and presidential elections in January 2021.
