Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – The National Salvation Council has strongly criticized the election of the Banadir Regional Council scheduled to take place tomorrow in Mogadishu, describing it as neither free nor fair. They said it is a one-sided, one-party plan intended to mislead the Somali public.
Former Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire, stated that the planned election is tilted toward one side and is not based on a constitutional framework or a proper democratic process.
Khaire explained that initially 61 political organizations had registered to participate, but fewer than 20 now remain after the others realized that the election is a special arrangement designed to serve a single party.
“Anyone who participated in good faith came to understand that this is not an open competition, but a one-party system. Those who remain and attempt to express their views or speak the truth face intimidation and arrest,” said Hassan Ali Khaire. He also accused the election commission of serving the presidency and lacking independence.
Meanwhile, former President of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said that the status of the capital city, Mogadishu, is far greater than what he described as a “grabbed” election that lacks consensus.
Sheikh Sharif noted that a genuine election can only take place when people with differing views agree on the process, whereas what is currently underway is an election driven by a single group.
He further warned that the election could lead to political clashes, social and clan divisions, and result in an election whose outcome would not be accepted.
He added that the time, power, and financial resources spent on this election should have been directed toward more appropriate matters that serve the national interest.
Finally, the National Salvation Council stated that what is happening in Mogadishu is not a legitimate election, but one driven by a specific agenda and linked to a term extension. They stressed that this is completely unacceptable, as the constitutional term of the government is four years.