UN Security Council welcomes Somalia's election plan

The Security Council on Thursday commended the Somali government for seeking consensus on an electoral model for 2016.

"A peaceful, transparent electoral process in 2016 will mark a historic step forward for all Somalis, and will be fundamental for the country's continued progress toward democracy and stability," said the council in a press statement.

The 15-nation UN body issued the statement after it heard a briefing by Michael Keating, UN envoy for Somalia.

According to Keating, there will be a 275-member lower house of parliament based on power sharing among clans and a 54-member upper house based on equal representation of existing, emerging and prospective federal states plus additional seats for Puntland and Somaliland.

"The members of the Security Council recognized that the proposed model requires compromises from all parties and renewed their call for all key actors and institutions in Somalia, including Parliament, to set aside their differences and engage constructively in the political process, without further delay," the statement said.

"The members of the Security Council recalled that individuals engaged in any acts which threaten the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia may be listed for targeted measures."

The council condemned recent Al Shabaab attacks and paid tribute to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali army for their efforts in reducing the threat posed by Al Shabaab, the statement said.

The council members underlined the importance of the continuation of offensive operations against Al Shabaab by the Somali National Army and AMISOM, the statement said.

Earlier Thursday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the Somali electoral model, saying it paves the way for a timely transition at the expiry of the current institutions' term.

Ban particularly applauded the commitment to representation of women and minority groups, including that women will comprise 30 percent of the next Parliament, said a statement issued by his spokesman.

The UN chief also reiterated the urgency of establishing a political roadmap toward universal suffrage in Somalia by 2020, to ensure continued momentum in the war-torn country's transition to democracy.

According to UN estimates, more than 1.1 million civilians remain internally displaced and some 300,000 children under age 5 are acutely malnourished. Millions also lack access to basic health care, water and sanitation. UN Security Council welcomes Somalia's election plan.

Source: XINHUA