The United Nations has noted that Somalia’s electoral process is “going much better than anyone predicted”, and is emphasizing on the need to ensure that the legitimacy of the process is preserved.

The United Nations envoy in the country called on the electoral body to investigate any credible reports of violations or the set rules and regulations.

“It would be highly counterproductive if instances of abuse, rule breaking and misconduct tarnish what otherwise promises to be a remarkable achievement,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating said in a statement.

“It is essential that credible reports of violations of the rules and regulations governing this process are investigated by the Indirect Electoral Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IEDRM), and appropriate action taken to preserve the legitimacy of the process,” he added.

Voting has already been held for 43 of the 54 seats in the Upper House of the Parliament and elections have also been conducted for 112 of the 275 seats in the House of the People (the lower house).