Wednesday October 4, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - The Minister of Information for the Puntland regional administration, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, has reaffirmed that the leaders of the regional administration will be elected through a one-person, one-vote system in January 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Garowe on Wednesday, the minister emphasized that they have made all necessary preparations for the upcoming elections. His statement appears to respond to accusations from Puntland opposition politicians, who have accused President Deni of attempting to extend his term.
The minister's statement comes a day after two district commissioners were elected through a parallel process in Bosaso town, a move that the Minister of Internal Affairs has objected to. He insists that both elections violated regional election laws.
President Deni has 90 days remaining in his term and has been absent from the country for nearly two months. Meanwhile, opposition candidates have already commenced their campaigns for the upcoming presidential election.