International bodies laud Somalia’s electoral model

Somalia’s model for an electoral process announced by the country’s federal government has been lauded by several international bodies. From the United Nations to the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the European Union (EU), these organizations state that the electoral model marks a major milestone for the war torn country.
#UNSG welcomes the decision by #Somalia on a model for electoral process to establish bicameral Federal Parl. in 2016
UN Spokesperson, January 28, 2016 This model paves the way to a timely transition at the expiry of the current institution’s term. The 2016 electoral process involves the formation of both the Lower House – 275 seats and the Upper House of Parliament – 54 members. The parliament will have representation based on balance between constituency and clan.“The Federal Government of Somalia wishes to express its gratitude to the Regional leaders, the Somalia public and our international partners for their efforts in moving the country forward. We assert that this electoral arrangement will be a measure for 2016 and look forward to the day our people will exercise the right to vote,” an excerpt from a communiqué on the electoral model for 2016 read.
Moreover, in line with the Mogadishu Declaration of December 2015, the government has shown its commitment to representation of women and minority groups, including that women will comprise 30 percent of the next Parliament.“The Secretary-General welcomes today’s decision by the Federal Government of Somalia on a model for the electoral process to establish a new, bicameral Federal Parliament in 2016, based on inclusivity and representation,” a statement from the United Nations read.“This is a signal of Somalia’s progress in peace-building and state building,” the UN said.




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Pope's Philadelphia Fiat sold for $82K

Michael and Kate Chapman, owners of Chapman Auto Group, secured the winning bid Friday night at a black-tie event kicking off the weekend's Philadelphia Auto Show.
Chapman Auto Group has seven area locations. An Archdiocese of Philadelphia spokesman said in a release that more than 19 people from across the country were bidding on the car. The auction lasted just 11 minutes. The other Fiat will be displayed during the show and might be auctioned off later. The Archdiocese says all auction proceeds will benefit charities and the archdiocese's special education schools.
Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company conducted the auction.__12:45 p.m.It's not too late to be a holy roller: Pope Francis' Philadelphia Fiat is still up for auction. The black Fiat 500L is one of two used by Francis during his trip to the city in September. The live auction starts at 9 p.m. Friday at a black-tie event kicking off the weekend's Philadelphia Auto Show. Bidders can also make offers online. His other Italian economy car will be displayed during the show and might be auctioned off later.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia says all auction proceeds will benefit charities and the archdiocese's special education schools. About 20 students from the special education schools got a sneak peek of the auto show Friday afternoon and heard a story about the papal visit as they took a look at his car.

Forty percent of Germans say Merkel should resign over refugee policy: poll

Forty percent of Germans want Chancellor Angela Merkel to resign over her refugee policy, a poll showed on Friday, in a sign of rising dissatisfaction with her welcoming stance towards people fleeing conflict and economic hardship in the Middle East and Africa.
Merkel, who enjoyed record high popularity ratings early last year, has grown increasingly isolated in recent months as members of her conservative bloc have pressed her to take a tougher line on asylum seekers and European allies have dragged their feet on the issue.
Responding to popular pressure, Merkel's conservatives and their left-leaning Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners agreed on Thursday to tighten asylum rules, reaching a compromise on how to stem the influx of migrants.

The Insa poll for Focus magazine surveyed 2,047 Germans between Jan. 22 to Jan. 25. It showed 45.2 percent believed Merkel's refugee policy was not a reason for her to resign. It was the first time the pollster had asked voters whether Merkel should quit.