Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The ongoing National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu has encountered major challenges in reaching a consensus on implementing a “one person, one vote” election model due to the absence of Puntland State from the talks.

Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe reportedly argued that any agreement on the electoral model is unachievable without the participation of both Puntland and SSC-Khatumo States.

According to reliable sources and Jubaland State TV, President Madobe has on Saturday refused to attend the NCC meeting and rejected efforts by Southwest State President, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza, and Galmudug’s President Ahmed Kariye Qoor-Qoor to bring him back to the discussions. Madobe is expected to return to Kismayo on Sunday.

Additionally, Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein ‘Gudlawe’ temporarily left the NCC meeting to fly to Jowhar for the state’s anniversary celebrations but is set to return to the capital.

The NCC meeting, which began on Wednesday under the chairmanship of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is focused on key issues including national security, the fight against Al-Shabaab, democratic processes, and intergovernmental collaboration.

However, no official comment has been issued by the Federal Government of Somalia on the meeting’s progress, as uncertainty looms over the ongoing discussions.