Somalia is making progress in holding elections on time

Mogadishu(SONNA)-Somalia is completely in elections period at moment as the elections for seats in the Upper House of Parliament have begun in four of the Federal Member States so far while campaigns for the seats of the Lower House of the Parliament and Presidency are taking place in the capital and administrative capitals of the regional states. The on-going electoral process, in particular, for the one for the Upper House started on July 29, 2021 in Kismayo, the administrative capital of Jubbaland, then Southwest State held such seats in Baidoa while Puntland State completed the election of the Upper House from its side and Galmudug State did the same, but some states are in the process to end this. Hirshabelle State and Representatives from Somaliland did not start the election of the Upper House due to on-going consultative talks and comprises on the holding equal election through peaceful engagement. UN Envoy to Somalia, James Swan commended the on-going efforts to making the 27 May Electoral Implementation Agreement between Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and leaders of the Federal Member States into reality during his briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation of Somalia on August, 12, 2021 He said that the Prime Minister has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative in moving the process forward. The National Consultative Council, which includes the Prime Minister and the Federal Member State leaders, has held regular meetings and dialogue on key issues related to the implementation of the Agreement. "Beyond the electoral process, the United Nations continues to support broader peacebuilding efforts, including strengthening federalism, conflict prevention and management, and peace consolidation. In this regard, we recall that the 27 May Agreement includes a roadmap for the completion of the state-building process in Somalia, and we look forward to supporting its implementation", Mr. Swan said.