September 10 will be a historic day for Somalia as its Parliament chooses a new President. This is a time for Parliament to act with courage, determination, and integrity in conducting a fair and transparent election.
It is imperative that all candidates for President recognize the outcome of this process. Our hope is that the winner as well as the new members of Parliament will commit to an inclusive government dedicated to improving the lives of all Somalis. We also urge that candidates who lose will do so gracefully, accept the result, and refrain from inciting violence or encouraging others to distance themselves from Somalia’s new federal governmental institutions.
We call on the security forces charged with responsibility for maintaining order and peace to fulfill their duties, respect the new administration, protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Somalis, and refrain from political activity, partisan behavior, or abandoning their post.
