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Mogadishu, Somalia, July 14, 2012 — A constituent assembly tasked with
choosing the members of Somalia's next parliament will not convene on
schedule, due to tribal elders' concerns about the country's draft
constitution. In what appears to be a play for more political power, the
elders are withholding the names of candidates for the new assembly.
An 825-member National Constituent Assembly representing a broad range
of Somali political factions was scheduled to meet Thursday in Mogadishu
to begin its work selecting members of Somalia's parliament.
But a council of tribal elders responsible for selecting members of the
constituent assembly have refused to release the names.
Mohamed Hassan Haad, the chairman of the Hawiye clan elders, said this
is a way for the elders to exert more influence over the transition
process.
"Actually we have all the names," Haad said, "but elders were saying to
each other if they present the names everything will be in the hands of
the parliament and nothing will remain for the elders to talk and be
consulted about."
Haad adds that the elders are particularly concerned about a draft
constitution, written in consultation with the United Nations. In a
previous VOA interview he said that elders take issue with sections
granting women the right to run for high office and that the draft does
not specify a capital city.
According to the U.N.-backed "Roadmap" process for ending the political
transition, it is the parliament that will decide whether to approve the
constitution, not the elders.
Haad added that the elders are getting mixed signals from the U.N. and
the other signatories to the Roadmap.
"They say that the elders have an important role to select better people
for the next government," said Haad. "On the other hand they say we
aren't doing what we're supposed to do. We don't see our role the way
they see it."
A diplomatic source familiar with the discussions told VOA the
constituent assembly likely will be delayed until July 22 or 23.
The source said once the parliament is formed, the transition should be
completed on time, emphasizing that all parties are still adamant about
the August 20 deadline for lawmakers to elect a president.
Source: VOA
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