International partners have welcomed Saturday's decision by Somalia's Lower House to return to the September 17 2020 electoral agreement following a request by President Mohamed Farmaajo.
The African Union, the European Union and United Nations in separate statements said the decision to annul the April 12 mandate extension bill which extended the terms of the executive and the legislative arms of government by two years, is critical for the stability of Somalia.
Francisco Madeira, special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission to Somalia and head of AMISOM said the decision by the House of the People is a very welcome development.
"AMISOM believes that this decision is critical for Somalia's security and stability. Let no one dim the light in the horizon," Madeira said in a brief statement issued on Sunday.
The UN in Somalia also welcomed the decision by President Farmajo to request parliament to revert to the Sept. 17, 2020 electoral model as well as the lead role of Prime Minister Mohamed Roble on behalf of the government.
"The UN calls on Somali leaders to return to dialogue and prepare elections without delay," the UN said.
Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, EU ambassador to Somalia, in welcoming the Lower House decision said there will be now "no preconditions, no spoiling, no violence" in Somalia.
"PM Roble must count on the constructive support from all federal member states presidents and other political actors for a Somali-led process," Berlanga said.
Farmajo, who addressed the house before the vote on Saturday, asked the lawmakers to revert to the Sept. 17, 2020 deal that was agreed between the federal government and five leaders of the federal member states.
The president also said the prime minister will spearhead the process of preparations and the implementation of the electoral process including key election security arrangements to ensure elections take place in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.
Roble in a statement issued after Farmajo's speech on Saturday welcomed the president's decision to hand over responsibilities of the election process and the security to him.
Roble assured all Somalis that the government is committed to holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country without infringing upon anyone's rights.
He ordered the army to return to their bases and also urged politicians to refrain from inflammatory and incitement terms.
"I will invite the federal member states to the national consultative summit to complete the Sept. 17 agreement between the government and federal member states," Roble said.