Poll talks open in Mogadishu amid hope for deal

Prime Minister Mohamed Roble has expressed optimism the talks will result in a deal to pave way for elections.

“As we are fully prepared for the National Consultative Conference on Elections, I am optimistic that it commences smoothly and ends satisfactorily so that the country goes to transparent,free and fair elections,” Roble said in a tweet.

He added that he was committed to taking ‘facilitative measures that will lead to the success of this conference.’

The meeting is the first one to be chaired by the PM after previous talks led by outgoing President Mohamed Farmaajo. Somalis andyhe internationalist community will be following closely the outcome of the talks amid hope that this will be the country’s last chance to get the electoral issue right.

Several Federal Member State leaders have arrived in Mogadishu. Meanwhile Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud yesterday met with UK ambassador Kate Foster. “We discussed the importance of holding a free and fair elections agreed upon by all stakeholders. We also discussed the role and the support that the IC can play,” the former head of state who is also a candidate in the upcoming elections said.

“Thankful to PM Roble for convening with Somalia’s partners today. His engagement to build trust is essential.Last weeks’ events show the incoming Summit is the only remaining opportunity to demonstrate commitment to the future of Somalia.”