Somalia’s opposition politicians welcomed the new election schedule reached Tuesday in Mogadishu after a meeting of federal and state leaders. The opposition however is looking forward to a quick implementation to avoid further delays and unrest.
The indirect elections will begin in July with delegates chosen by clans selecting members of the lower house of parliament. State governments will select senators beginning in August. The chosen lawmakers will then vote for the next president on October 10.
But analysts note unrest and terrorist attacks are still a risk. Despite the breakthrough, there is still a threat from al-Shabab militants.
"Al-Shabab is trying to disrupt the Somali election process through suicide bombings and improvised explosive device attacks, mainly the venues of the process across the regions," analyst Dahir Korow said.
"However, it is also very significant to note that the democratic process will attract high-security alert both from Somali security agencies and their international peacekeeping partners such as AMISOM." Korow added.
Somalia’s indirect elections were to take place in February, but the process was stalled over opposition concerns about free elections. The opposition accused President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmajo, of stacking poll committees with his allies.
Farmajo denied the allegation but raised international eyebrows in April when he signed into law a two-year extension of terms in office, including his.
The move sparked days of street clashes in April in Mogadishu between split loyalty security forces, renewing fears of a return to clan violence.
Under international pressure, Farmajo nullified the extension and returned to talks with the opposition for holding elections.
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