[Garowe] Questions on the credibility and fairness of Somalia’s federal elections continue to fuel uncertainty and fears of violence in the country as political stakeholders remain at loggerheads on the way forward. In Mogadishu, the political opposition has boycotted the elections dismissing the process as a sham.They are not alone. Civil society and clan elders have also joined a chorus of condemnation of a process now widely seen as rigged. Faced with the prospects of delayed elections or a sham process, the international community has favored a ’quick and dirty’ process regardless of its legitimacy.
Such a shortsighted attitude will neither lead to a credible election nor stability. Instead, it is almost certain to trigger a conflict between Farmaajo and his opposition who blame certain members of the international community for pampering a belligerent and undemocratic leader.