Sunday 17,Nov ,2024 {HMC} Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced the schedule for the region’s parliamentary and presidential elections, intensifying tensions between Jubbaland and federal government over electoral procedures.

In a statement released Saturday, the commission detailed the timeline:
November 18–19: Announcement of new Jubbaland lawmakers.
November 20: The application process opens for candidates vying for the Speaker of Parliament.
November 21: Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Jubbaland Parliament.
November 25: Jubbaland’s Presidential election.
The Somali Ministry of Internal Affairs recently condemned the committee’s formation, calling it illegal and undermining national democratic progress. The ministry urged Jubbaland’s leadership to comply with the National Consultative Council (NCC) agreements, which advocate for a unified, universal suffrage electoral framework across the country.

Tensions between the federal government and Jubbaland escalated when Madobe walked out of a recent NCC meeting in Mogadishu, demanding that Puntland and SSC Khatumo be included in the electoral discussions. This request aligns with Puntland’s ongoing boycott of the NCC amid its own disputes with the federal government, further complicating Somalia’s push toward a unified electoral system.

Source Hiiraan Online

Sunday 17,Nov ,2024 {HMC}  Jubbaland’s regional administration and its representatives in Somalia’s federal Parliament have rejected a newly approved law establishing the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging constitutional violations and exclusion from the decision-making process.

In a statement issued Saturday, Jubbaland leaders called Saturday’s parliamentary vote “illegal,” emphasizing that lawmakers from Jubbaland and Puntland were absent during the session.

“This step by the Parliament undermines dialogue, mutual respect, and constitutional governance, deepening political uncertainty. These illegal steps reflect a lack of readiness for compromise, further eroding trust and constitutional governance,” the statement from Jubbaland Interior Ministry read.

Despite Jubbaland’s official rejection, journalists reported that some lawmakers from the Jubbaland and Puntland, opposing Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe, attended the session.

Somalia’s bicameral Parliament approved the law in a unanimous vote, with 173 members endorsing it during a joint session in Mogadishu.
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo condemned the approval as unconstitutional, warning it could escalate political divisions.

“The fusion of the executive and legislative branches have polarized the Somali people further,” Farmaajo said, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of prioritizing personal interests over national unity.

The law is a critical step toward implementing Somalia’s goal of one-person, one-vote elections. However, it has exposed fault lines between the federal government and regional states like Jubbaland and Puntland, which demand greater consultation on national reforms.

Tensions escalated after Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe walked out of a recent National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu, calling for greater inclusion of Puntland and SSC-Khatumo in discussions.

Source Hiiraan Online

Sunday 17,Nov ,2024 {HMC}  Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pledged to work with incoming President Donald Trump in his final meeting with current US leader Joe Biden.

The two met on Saturday on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Peru where they acknowledged “ups and downs” in relations over Biden’s four years in office.

But both highlighted progress in lowering tensions on issues such as trade and Taiwan.

Analysts say US-China relations could become more volatile when Trump returns to office in two months, driven by factors including a promise to raise tariffs on Chinese imports.

The president-elect has pledged 60% tariffs on all imports from China. He has also appointed prominent China hawks to top foreign and defence positions.

During his first term, Trump labelled China a “strategic competitor”. Relations worsened when the former president labelled Covid a “Chinese virus” during the pandemic.

Speaking on Saturday at the meeting held at his hotel in Lima, the Chinese president said Beijing’s goal of a stable relationship with Washington would remain unchanged.

“China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences,” Xi said.

Biden said strategic competition between the two global powers should not escalate into war.

“Our two countries cannot let any of this competition veer into conflict. That is our responsibility and over the last four years I think we’ve proven it’s possible to have this relationship,” he said.

SOURCE BBC NEWS