President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited opposition and civic groups to electoral consultations in Mogadishu from November 14 to 18, according to an October 26 presidency statement reported by Shabelle. The invitation names Nabad iyo Nolol, the Somali Future Council, the National Unity Forum and the Civil Society Coalition.
The president called for compromise in his Sunday address. The Somali Future Council had said on October 20 that it was ready for substantive negotiations, while demanding a halt to measures it described as unilateral, Somalia Today reported. That earlier position does not establish acceptance of the newly proposed dates.
The disagreement concerns the electoral framework and constitutional changes, alongside the role of member states. The invitation creates a proposed negotiating venue. Participation and agreed rules would require further decisions by the invited groups and the Mogadishu government.