State law empowers us to postpone poll-S. West elders

Elders from South West state have maintained their decision to postpone the presidential election is in tandem with state constitution which empowers them to step in and rule in cases of such disputes.

While announcing the decision, the Council of Elders chairman Ali Hassan said the move to postpone the poll came following interference with by the federal government.

“The Council of Elders of South West, referring to the Constitution of the state, article 60 (c) , (d) (ef) and (f) have decided to put off the elections set for November 17 until a favourable atmosphere prevails,” Hassan said.

According to article 60 (c), the constitution notes that the elders can be referred to on a matter concerning the government and raised by one of the state institutions.

“The elders will judge and provide a final decision when need arises,” sub article d reads. In the event a parliament is not elected, sub article f notes, the council of elders can take up the role of MPs.

In their accusation against the federal government, the elders said they had noted bribery, use of state resources and transportation of MPs to Mogadishu.

“The intervention includes that the government stood by some of the candidates who were given cash and bullet proof cars, and further some of state MPs were transported to Mogadishu , handed money and ordered to support their favorite candidate,” said Hassan.

The decision came even as the federal government maintained the elections must proceed on November 17.