The fate of the much anticipated 2016 elections hangs on a thread wire as Somali political leaders run out of time to meet over the electoral deadlines, Puntland has reliably established.
According to reliable sources privy to the National Leadership Forum (NLF), the electoral timetable seems unrealistic due to a number of major stumbling blocks. These may force the deadline to be postponed in order to redress some outstanding issues deemed a prerequisite for the successful implementation of electoral process.
NFL talks to address the contentious issues have failed to make a significant breakthrough. This has stalled the consultative process on several occasions, thus further shifting the already bleak chances of meeting the election deadline. The parliamentary and presidential elections were earmarked to take place between August and September this year.
According to the sources, key factors believed to be contributing to the current political stalemate include:
1) Banadir region’s representation in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament.
2) The election venue
3) Somaliland clan distribution in the Upper House representatives.
4) Hiiraan clans’ claims that their MPs were sabotaged.
The Federal Government, on the other hand, insists that the elections will be held according to their respective deadlines. This is despite concerns of availability of adequate funds.