The Somali federal government is set to train members of the regional electoral commission despite opposition from some states.
The training is set to hold at Mogadisu, Somalia’s capital but Jubbaland and Puntland states have not yet submitted the names of their representatives to the electoral commission.
Local reports said representatives from the federal government will be trained alongside those from Hirshabelle and Southwest regions.
Jubbaland and Puntland have opposed the electoral body appointed by the federal government and demanded the withdrawal of government forces from the south-western Gedo Region.
Parliamentary elections that were scheduled for 1 December have been delayed due to a dispute between the president and his political rivals.
According to the electoral plan, legislative elections were to be held throughout December, followed by a vote in the Federal Parliament in February to elect the country’s next president. But opposition candidates are protesting the membership of two committees charged with overseeing the balloting, claiming they are packed with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s allies, allegedly giving him an unfair advantage as he seeks reelection.
Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said Monday that his government is committed to delivering peaceful elections.
“The Somali federal government is committed to delivering peaceful, credible elections that are as timely and inclusive as possible,” Roble said after attending the Somali Partnership Forum, which kicked off in the capital Mogadishu