Puntland State Assembly approves new Electoral Commission members. 40 Members of Parliament (MP) of the Federal Member State attended the parliamentary session today. One of the agendas to consider was the approval of the Electoral Commission candidates based on Articles 113 and 132 of Puntland’s Constitution.
Garowe, Puntland, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
During today’s session, the MPs approved the appointment of some of the new members of the Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC). 39 MPs voted to approve the Commission; one voted against the bill. The Supreme Court of Puntland then swore in the following members:
- 1. Fuad Abshir Ahmed
- 2. Ahmed Jama Mohamed
- 3. Ahmed Mohamud Omar
- 4. Abdullahi Said Ismail
- 5. Mohamed Abshir Garaad
- 6. Mohamud Soofe Hassan
- 7. Abdullahi Mohamed Barre
- 8. Fatima Said Ahmed
- 9. Abdinur Mohamud Mohamed Ubbale
Some parties have not sent their nominees yet. They have time to do so until 9 September, when the Commission’s structure should be finalized.
Persisting disputes
Last month, Puntland’s opposition Mideeye party announced it would boycott the upcoming January 2024 elections, preferring a return to the old electoral system. In Puntland, clan elders used to select the Members of Parliament, who then elected the President.
Earlier in August, Bossaso-based Mideeye condemned what they called “illegal actions” of the Puntland government. The party did not like that the MPs approved democratic amendments to Puntland’s Constitution. The party representatives also expressed concern about the delay in filing the case file they submitted earlier to the Supreme Court.
Their statement came as a surprise to some. While the party initially rejected the local May elections registration, they eventually joined and took part in them, effectively endorsing their legitimacy. Analysts point out that even now, the party might be just playing a game, intending to secure something in return for their eventual green light.
