MOGADISHU, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- International partners ended a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on Wednesday with a call to Somalia to step up stabilization efforts, adopt an electoral law by December, and complete a constitutional review by June 2020.

Participants at the Somalia Partnership Forum (SPF) stressed how Somalia committed to successfully conclude current security operations, undertake further operations against al-Shabab, and complete priority reforms in the area of security, as well as justice and human rights institutions.

"In 2020, the focus of these will be jointly identified and planned, to ensure that all stakeholders can align their efforts and resources to agreed locations," the delegations said in a communiqué released by the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The partners committed to supporting the generation of human rights-compliant security forces, the stabilization of newly-recovered areas, including access to justice, and key reform processes, including human resources and payroll reform of the Somali security forces.

The partners noted lauded the government for the significant progress in implementing reforms including improved public financial management and revenue generation, consultations on a new National Development Plan.

They also hailed the government for successful operations to retake and stabilize territory previously held by al-Shabab, increased delivery of social services, and progress towards local reconciliation in some areas.

"At the same time, a number of challenges remain, including the need to generate jobs and economic growth, continue the fight against al-Shabab, respond to humanitarian crises and build resilience, lay foundations for inclusive politics and strengthen respect for the rights, participation and representation of women and minorities," the partners said.

The forum brought together Somali officials and several of the country's Federal Member States, and representatives from more than 30 countries and various international organizations.

The partners noted how the country's executive and legislative arms are committed to adopting an Electoral Law by December to pave way for elections slated by end of 2020 or early 2021.

James Swan, UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia, said passage of the electoral law is the crucial next step.

"We are pleased to see the commitment to make every effort to complete this by the end of 2019, failure to meet this deadline will jeopardize the mobilization of essential funding and risks slippage in the electoral calendar," Swan said.

"Inclusive politics if handled with the necessary leadership and consensus building has the potential to accelerate progress across all of the Mutual Accountability Framework commitments," he added.

During the forum, Somalia agreed on a set of priority actions needed to take the country forward.

Hassan Ali Khaire, Somali prime minister said the government will work on narrowed priorities, including holding open and fair elections and ensuring a peaceful transition, completion of the constitutional review process and deepening of federalism, all this while not losing sight of the gains made so far and the investment of international partners.

"Somalia is making tremendous strides. We are ready to move forward together in this limited time we have, together with our federal member states; both houses of parliament and the political elite," said Khaire. Enditem

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