Somali Opposition Leaders Reject New Election Roadmap

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - A group of Somali opposition presidential candidates has rejected the government's plan for upcoming elections.  The rejection could result in yet another delay for the Somali polls.

The opposition Council of Presidential Candidates, or CPS, released a statement Monday saying they reject a new election roadmap proposed by the federal government and regional leaders. The opposition argues that the process would give five regional leaders too much power in selecting the electoral delegates who will choose 275 members of parliament. Opposition leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said there is need for a clear path towards the process on who will select the delegates and whom they represent since the parliamentary polls is based on the 4.5 power sharing formula.  The former head of state adds they don’t want another delay on the polls, which were already delayed twice before, and thus demands a clear timetable.