Thursday December 7, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the efforts of Puntland traditional elders to resolve the election dispute between the current regional leaders and the opposition group on Thursday.
President Mohamud also applauded the decision of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, which is expected to address the election uncertainty. Last night, Deni announced that the regional state will return to an indirect election model, a proposition advocated by the opposition in recent weeks.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud noted that President Deni's decisions and the elders' involvement are measures that enhance the stability and political development of Puntland and Somalia as a whole.
"Puntland is at the center of the country's Federal System; it is an example of peace and unity, so we are supporting the efforts of the elders of elders and intelligence. I pray to God that the election ends in mutual understanding and a peaceful environment that reflects the history of the Puntland regions," said President Hassan Sheikh.
The President of the Federal government encouraged the parties involved in the Puntland election process to continue discussions, overcome the deadlock, compromise, and maintain peace in Puntland.
Speaking at an event held at the regional presidential palace in Garowe on Wednesday night, President Deni expressed the difficulty in halting the one-person vote election process. However, considering the prevailing circumstances, he returned to the indirect election process, wherein clan leaders choose regional parliament members.
Last month, the Puntland Electoral Commission unveiled the schedule for a one-person, one-vote election, a plan strongly supported by President Said Deni. However, the opposition rejected it, describing it as a ploy by President Deni to extend his term. They argued that conducting a one-person, one-vote election within a few months is not feasible.
President Deni's decision comes on the same day as the SSC-Khatumo traditional committee's proposal to return to parliamentary elections. The committee, dedicated to resolving conflicts, suggested holding the presidential election on January 8, 2024, to avert political conflict and instability. They emphasized that current parliament members would elect the President and vice president. Additionally, the committee outlined plans for a new parliamentary election, using the one-person, one-vote election model, twelve months later.