MOGADISHU, Somalia – The president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh applauded the decision by the Puntland leader to ditch the plans to hold a popular election in the interest of his state which was on the brink of electoral violence.
In a statement, the country’s head of state described the move as a step in the direct direction as it saves Puntland from conflict and political instability as the opposition candidates vowed to hold a parallel vote next month and mobilized troops in Garowe in preparation for war.
“Puntland is the backbone and mother of Somalia’s Federal system as it is the first Federal State to be established and it is an example of peace and unity for the rest of the country,” said President Hassan Sheikh.
The president has also commended the role of local elders in the defusion of the tension and mediating a last-minute deal that Deni accepted to announce a timely election on 8th January next year which is based on the clan-electoral system.
Since its inception in 1998, Puntland largely exercised an indirect election in which the elders select their MPs in the parliament who then vote to elect a new regional president.
Deni and Hassan Sheikh have been at loggerheads since the May 2022 polls. Deni lost to Hassan Sheikh in the race for the top seat and then sought a PM post which failed to get.
