Puntland celebrates successful local elections and the dawn of a new electoral era. Last night, a celebratory ceremony in Garowe marked a significant milestone in Puntland’s electoral journey. Distinguished dignitaries attended the event, such as the Vice President of Puntland, Ministers, members of the Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC), and representatives from the Puntland Police Force. The ceremony served as a platform to showcase the achievements of the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC).
Garowe, Puntland, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
The commission’s commitment to enhancing its capacity through training initiatives and acquiring essential equipment enabled it to successfully oversee robust elections on 25 May 2023 in the majority of Puntland regions. TPEC executed its mission with unwavering dedication and precision.
As a testament to the commission’s hard work, elections took place in 33 of the 37 districts where they should have occurred. This unprecedented achievement also gave rise to the emergence of eight political parties in Puntland.
Abdirisak Ahmed Said, the Chairman of TPEC, expressed his gratitude to the more than 30,000 individuals who contributed to the electoral process. He acknowledged the diverse roles they played. Employees, supervisors, drivers, trainers, and countless others worked directly or indirectly with TPEC. The commission’s extensive responsibilities included operating in over 40 districts, demarcating borders, training staff, conducting assessments, establishing offices, and launching awareness campaigns. TPEC successfully registered voters in 37 districts, ultimately culminating in elections in 33 districts. The voters elected 861 councillors, who now owe their success solely to the support and participation of the public.
One-person, one-vote
The Vice President of Puntland, Ahmed Karaash, was among the attendees. He was one of the keynote speakers commemorating Puntland’s transition to democracy. “God willing, don’t fear for Puntland’s transition to democracy. We will elect our leaders through the one-person, one-vote democratic process.”
This momentous occasion follows the formation of the new commission. The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC) will be responsible for organising all future elections, including the presidential scheduled for January.
The region enters a new electoral era. TPEC’s achievements are a testament to the potential for democratic progress and the continued commitment to fostering political stability in Puntland.
