Somalia extends parliamentary elections, again

Somalia has once again extended the deadline for completing parliamentary elections, further delaying the presidential votes. The new target date for the parliamentary elections has been set as March 15, 2022. The country has been facing significant challenges in finalizing the electoral process, with more than 100 seats yet to be filled, posing a threat to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs in Somalia. The delays have raised concerns about the impact on the donor-reliant economy of the country. Samira Guides, the National Security Practitioner for the Federal Government of Somalia, shed light on the current situation during an interview with CNBC Africa. She emphasized that the main obstacle to completing the elections is not the COVID-19 pandemic but the conflicts between the country's leaders, both at the federal and regional levels. Despite setting previous deadlines, the parliamentary elections continue to face delays, with only 178 out of 275 seats filled as of now. The IMF has warned that if the presidential elections are not held soon, their program in Somalia could face interruptions within three months. The economic reforms that Somalia had been working on to achieve debt relief and attract investments are at risk due to the prolonged political instability. Both local and international partners are closely monitoring the situation, urging Somali leaders to prioritize resolving the electoral impasse. Moreover, the recent controversy surrounding an oil agreement signed by a minister in Somalia has added to the political challenges. The prime minister and the president publicly refuted the agreement, citing procedural irregularities and the need for adherence to local laws. The cancellation of the oil deal highlights the importance of transparency and compliance with regulations in Somalia's petroleum sector. Looking ahead, the potential oil and gas reserves in Somalia could be a valuable asset for the country's economy. However, ensuring transparency and accountability in the exploration and extraction processes is crucial to prevent misuse of resources. Samira Guides emphasized the need for responsible governance and strategic utilization of the oil revenues to benefit the Somali people and pave the way for economic development. As the deadline for parliamentary elections looms closer, Somalia faces a critical juncture that will determine the country's political and economic trajectory. The coming weeks will be decisive in shaping the future of Somalia and its relations with the international community.