Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has questioned why opposition leaders staged their protest on the same day as the South West State’s one-person, one-vote elections, a statement he made during a speech on the country’s general situation.
The president congratulated the people of South West, saying they participated peacefully in the one-person, one-vote elections that took place this morning in the administration’s areas, describing it as an important step in ensuring that power is returned to the people.
He said the Federal Government is committed to implementing one-person, one-vote elections across the country, so that the Somali people can directly elect their leaders.
Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh called on the opposition to come up with effective political ideas and programs that can manage the country’s situation, instead of, as he put it, “trading on the feelings of the people.”
The President also said that the opposition had thwarted the government’s platform for political dialogue to discuss existing disputes and electoral issues, noting that today’s protest coincided with the day set aside for the dialogue.
He added that the government had prevented security incidents after, according to him, the opposition had brought out heavy weapons during the protest activities.
“Protests can be held, and votes can be cast, and this is a constitutional right, but there is no need for demonstrations where monsters hide,” said President Hassan Sheikh.
The President’s speech comes at a time of political tension in Mogadishu between the Federal Government and opposition politicians, who are at odds over the electoral process and the political direction of the country.
