Mogadishu: The Arab League has embraced Somali efforts to hold the country's first direct municipal elections since 1969.
According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement on Thursday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit hailed the move as a key step towards strengthening citizenship, constitutional legitimacy, and social stability. He urged Somali political forces to prioritize dialogue and national consensus to overcome ongoing security and political challenges, including the fight against terrorism and the broader state-building process.
The Arab League stated that it was closely monitoring the electoral process in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, viewing it as a significant milestone in expanding public participation. This transition from the indirect electoral system in place since 1969 to a one-person, one-vote system aligns with the country's provisional constitution.
Aboul Gheit also reaffirmed the League's readiness to provide political and technical support in coordination with Somali state institutions and reiterated its continued backing for the Somali people's aspirations for security, stability, development, and the restoration of effective national governance.