Mursal summons MPs over ‘electoral deadlock’ amid fears of extension vote
GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: MPs are gathering this morning to debate the long delayed elections according to a memo issued last night by Speaker Mohamed Mursal but the opposition has warned the session might be used to seek an extended stay in office for Mohamed Farmaajo.
According to the text by Mursal, the session will debate the fate of the elections following serial collapse of talks between Farmaajo and Federal Member State leaders.
But opposition MPs and Presidential candidates have raised the red flag over another attempt to endorse a motion giving more lifeline to Farmaajo whose term ended on February 8, 2021.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed told journalists Sunday night the failure to unlock the electoral gridlock was a ‘betrayal’ adding ‘the government must come back to the table to avoid leading Somalia to where it came from.”
Security has been tightened in various parts of the city especially near the parliament buildings and Villa Somalia. Fifteen MPs were suspended for five sessions last month after a session ended abruptly following chaos that rocked the House.
UN mediated talks collapsed last week with the Federal Government accusing Jubbaland and Puntland of ‘dishonour’ even as the two regional state presidents said they were not aware of failed talks.
The international community has demanded a return to the table and warned against any attempts to extend Farmaajo’s stay in office.