Somalia: AU Deputy Special Representative Satisfied with Preparations for Presidential Elections

By NewsfromAfrica

Mogadishu‐-  The  Deputy  Special  Representative  of  the  Chairperson  of  the  African  Union  Commission  (DSRCC)  for  Somalia,   Wafula  Wamunyinyi  has  expressed  satisfaction  at  the  encouraging  progress  on  the  implementation  of  tasks  for  ending  the  transitional  period  especially  preparations  for  presidential  elections  scheduled  for  September  10th,2012.  

Wamunyinyi  noted  that  the  people  of  Somalia  have  demonstrated  the  highest  level  of  commitment  and  determination  to  ending  the  transition  period  and  elect  a  government  of  their  choice  saying  such  a  trend  should  be  sustained.  He  said;  “I  am  confident  that  based  on  the  level  of  commitment  and  determination  demonstrated  by  the  people  of  Somalia,  the  election  of  President  will  be  free,  fair  and  transparent.  I  also  trust  that  based  on  the  pronouncements  by  the  candidates,  all  parties  will  accept  the  results  of  the  elections  as  a  true  reflection  of  the  wishes  of  the  Somali  people.”  

 The  AU  Deputy  Special  Representative  however  observed  with  regret  that  some  disgruntled  sections  of  the  Somali  society  have  ganged  up  to  mar  the  political  process  at  this  last  minute.  He  therefore  reaffirmed  his  earlier  warnings  that  AMISOM  and  other  members  of  the  international  community  will  not  tolerate  anybody  reversing  the  gains  both  on  the  political  and  security  fronts  that  Somalia  has  achieved  so  far.  

“On  behalf  of  AMISOM  and  on  my  own  behalf  I  wish  to  condemn  the  behaviour  by  some  individuals  who  are  mobilizing  innocent  people  o  bring  confusion  with  the  ultimate  aim  of  disrupting  the  presidential  elections.  The  people  of  Somalia  and  AMISOM  with  support  of  the  international  community  have  sacrificed  a  lot  to  reach  this  far  and  will  not  give  chance  to  any  group  of  individuals  who  are  bent  on  reversing  these  achievements  at  this  crucial  point  of  Somali  history”,  Said  Wamunyinyi.

AMISOM  pledges  its  support  to  the  outcome  of  the  presidential  elections  and  looks  forward  to  working  with  the  elected  government  of  Somalia  in  rebuilding  the  country.