Mogadishu, 5 September 2012

These are remarkable days in Somalia. After more than two decades of war and civil strife, the Somali people have taken matters into their own hands and in quick succession have achieved the series of benchmarks necessary to end the transitional period and move forward to a new more legitimate and representative political dispensation. In the past few weeks we have seen the convening of a National Constituent Assembly which adopted a provisional Constitution, we have witnessed the standing up and successful completion of the work of a Technical Selection Committee, we have cheered at the inauguration of a new federal Parliament and the election of a Speaker and deputies. And now we are only days away from an historic presidential election.

My contacts with the Speaker, Mr. Jawari, have convinced me that he is the right man for the job at this critical moment. Parliament is the highest sovereign body in the land and as its leader he deserves our support and our trust during these decisive times.

So let me take this opportunity to congratulate our new Parliamentarians for the progress they have made so far. The future of Somalia depends on each and every legislator voting for whomever they believe can best lead their country.  I encourage them to carry out this sacred trust free from any external influence. The vote will be carried out by secret ballot and I call on all Parliamentarians to do their civic duty and vote with their heart and their conscience.

Source: UNPOS