Saturday October 8, 2022
Former Puntland state Presidents Abdiweli Gas and Abdirahman Faroole. FILE
Garowe (HOL) - Former Puntland state Presidents Abdiweli Gas and Abdirahman Faroole have vehemently opposed President Said Deni's proposal to hold a one-person, one-vote election in Puntland.
Puntland administration wants to prepare for the election in less than 15 months, which the former leaders believe is unrealistic.
The two presidents attending BBC Somali weekly program on Friday accused President Said Abdullahi Deni of delaying democracy- which they described as illegal - and wanting to extend his term in office. and
Abdirahman Faroole said Den is not interested in a democratic election but is seeking to corrupt the election process.
He added that Bosaso and Galkayo have been without an administration. Garowe's administration, which had been running a good job, was dissolved by private interests close to the Puntland presidency.
"The combined circumstances make it impossible for Puntland to hold elections in the allotted period," Farole said.
Abdiweli Gas believes that a credible one-person-one-vote election was required.
Puntland says it intends to follow through on the election timetable.
Puntland's Information Minister, Eng. Mohamud Ayidi Dirir emphasized that the regional government was sincere in holding local council elections and added that political associations from local government elections would advise the upcoming Puntland elections.
The Puntland regional state election is expected to hold on January 8, 2024.
The outcry from the presidents comes barely after the Presidents of four regional state leaders extended their term of office by one year each. While Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland, President Muse Bihi extended his term in office by two years last week.