Hargeisa (JMG) – Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail Seili’i has told that his government is extending for the country’s national political parties to show up a national consultation dialogue on 20 May, in order to discuss the political controversy, as he reiterated his government’s stance on the decision by Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti) to extend the tenure of the government for one year and 10 months as irrevocable.
Vice President noted this in a press release held in his Presidential office on Thursday.
“Having such a National Consultation Dialogue on every issue that arises in our country by our people is Somaliland’s long time standing tradition, as Somaliland is familiar to have such consultation and settle their issues as well their difference on such way is not something new, as such I am calling for the national political parties to show up this dialogue,”
In response to why such consultation wasn’t called before the extension made by the Guurti, he stated, “Elections Delay was a technical one and not a political one. The government had no intention to have a term extension and didn’t plan a delay tactics,” Said Vice President Abdirahman Seili’i.
Vice President in the meantime added that the Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti) has the constitutional right to extend the tenure of the government, though they only add 4 extra months to the suggestions and the elections timeline proposed by the National Electoral Commission because of the interest of the nation.
The VP who eventually stated that the burning issue of postponed elections are a priority for the administration but added that 20th May is the most appropriate day since the country is set to hold its 24th anniversary of independence on 18th May as he urged all and sundry to commemorate in pomp and style both in the country and Diaspora.
Extension Decision by Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti)
On 11th May, The Somaliland House of Elders(Guurti) after a long discussion with stake holders of the Presidential and House of Representatives Election reached a resolution to extend their term in office for one year and ten months. Their term would have expired on July 28/2015 but they will be in office up to April 27/2017. The extension will also automatically extend Guurti’s term in office for one year. That is up to April 27/2018.
