By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) Somalia’s government accused some opposition figures of pushing views in the talks that undermine the citizens’ right to vote and be elected.
In a statement, the federal government said three days of talks with the opposition revealed that some of its members were against direct elections.
The government reiterated its commitment to implementing the one person, one vote electoral system, saying it gives citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders and compete for public representation.
The government’s accusation comes as political tensions over Somalia’s electoral process continue to intensify. The government argues that one person, one vote elections are a constitutional right of every citizen, while some opposition figures have raised concerns over the way the elections are being managed, the credibility of electoral institutions, and the need for a broad political agreement.
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In recent days, representatives from the opposition and the government have held discussions on the electoral process and the political transition. However, there now appears to be limited optimism that an agreement can be reached.
The government said Somalia has entered a period in which it must move away from a political system not based on direct public voting and transition toward a democratic process built on the principle of one person, one vote.
The statement comes at a time when Somali politics is facing an intense debate over the electoral model, the role of the opposition, and how to reach an election process accepted by all sides.