UNSC voices concern over Somali election postponement

NEW YORK (AA) - The United Nations Security Council early Thursday expressed regret over the month-long postponement of Somali’s presidential election until the end of November.

"The organization of peaceful and transparent elections in Somalia represents a historic step for all Somalis and a turning point for progress towards democracy and stability in the country," the UNSC said in a statement.

The UN urged all parties to “honor their commitments and to reach without delay an agreement on the policy challenges that lie ahead.”

It also warned parties in Somalia against taking “any action that would undermine the political transition process”.

The statement called on Somalia’s transitional government “to ensure the organization of peaceful, transparent and credible elections in the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and the formation of associations.”

The council also reaffirmed its support for Somalia during this “delicate phase” of organizing elections.

On Monday, Somalia’s electoral commission announced that the presidential election set for the end of October had been delayed for a month.

The process, which is to last a few weeks, was expected to begin last weekend with the election of upper and lower house members.

The latter are to be elected by some 14,000 delegates, while the upper house is to be designated by regional states. Both houses are set to elect the new president.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former president and candidate in the current election, left Somalia in 2012 after his electoral defeat at the hands of incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud.

Sheikh Ahmed returned to Somalia last week.