By Hafsa Mursal

NAIROBI – Somalia Prime Minister Mohamed Hussien Roble has today expressed his deep sorrow over the statement issued by the Office of the President this morning.

The statement was intended as a pretext for the President to disrupt the country’s electoral process, which is at a critical juncture.

PM H.E @MohamedHRoble reiterates his commitment to lead a fair electoral process. No preferential treatment will be extended to a particular presidential candidate. Neither will he be distracted by the incumbent’s continuous attempts to undermine the conclusion of the elections. pic.twitter.com/zKK977M3Mc

— OPM Somalia ?? (@SomaliPM) December 26, 2021

As the timing of this document, which is scheduled for the National Consultative Assembly meeting to expedite the electoral process, and to ensure the transparency of the elections, is a plan by the President to prevent the meeting from taking place which clearly indicates that The President will never condone and will not relinquish power in this country to the people of Somalia.

We share with the Somali people and the international community that the President has spent time, money and mind during his tenure in office in an attempt to ensure that the elections are only responsive to his will or pave the way for a term extension.

Since the Prime Minister took over the leadership of the electoral process, the President has been constantly hampered by the implementation of the agreed-upon elections, using a variety of tactics which, once resolved, have overwhelmed each other until this morning he issued an irresponsible declaration.

It is noteworthy that the election led by the Prime Minister is equal for all Somalis, especially the candidates running for the leadership of the country including the President so it is not acceptable for a particular candidate to try to run in the election.

We are making it clear to the Somali people that the responsibility for the elections lies with the Prime Minister and the National Consultative Assembly, so the National Consultative Council meeting announced by the Prime Minister will take place in Mogadishu as planned.

The Prime Minister is holding a series of like-minded meetings with civil society, the Council of Candidates and the international community to hear their suggestions on the transparency of the elections and the completion of the Parliament on time which will be finalized at the planned National Coalition meeting.

The Prime Minister informs the Somali people and the international community that it is time to work together against individuals who pose a threat to peace and state-building in Somalia to avoid a political and security crisis in the country.

Finally, the Prime Minister, in the discharge of his national responsibilities under the Provisional Constitution, and in accordance with the Political Agreements empowered to lead the elections and security, promises the Somali people in collaboration with the National Consultative Assembly to concentrate on finalizing the elections.

To maintain its transparency as the only solution open to this Nation is an Election that will lead to a legitimate and peaceful transfer of power.