“It is imperative that political parties maintain peace as well as accept election results” Elder Suleiman M Aden
By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Guurti elders are determined to outcome of free and fair local council elections.
Guurti which is the upper chamber of parliament has dispatched two committees to the regions charged with voter sensitisation and the promotion of peaceful election conduct.
The two houses of elders committees which were official dispatched by the Chairperson of Guurti Elder Suleiman Mahmud Aden in a ceremony at parliament buildings will fulfil their new duties within the country’s Eastern and Western regions.
Elder Suleiman who urged the Elders committee to perform their duties with usual diligence informed that the upper house of parliament which is made up of elders representing all segments of society is determined towards the realization of free and fair local council elections.
Said he, “I call upon you to ensure that our citizens are fully aware of their democratic rights, voting norms and the need to maintain peace during this election period”
At the same time Guurti Chair called upon the seven political parties contesting the local council elections slated for 28th November to maintain peace and instil on their respective supporters the need for maximum security.
While also touching on the paramount importance of conceding defeat honourably Elder Suleiman M Aden called upon leaders of the political parties to be prepared for either failure or success since only three parties out of the seven shall be official registered as national political parties.
Said he, “It is imperative that political parties maintain peace as well as accept election results”
The Septuagenarian Guurti Chair asked the party leaders to take a leaf from his political record as he was one of the first Somalilanders to form a political party, ASAD, in 2002 which was defeated in the first local council elections.
“Despite misgivings on the fashion of my party’s elimination I gracefully accepted defeat for the sake of the nation”
The contest for the country’s three political party which has attracted seven political groups and over a thousand local council candidates shall be observed by an international election mission from 16 countries and numerous organizations.
