In a press conference in Garowe, the Minister of Information in the Puntland government, Mohamud Aidid Dirir, provided updates on the upcoming democratic elections in Puntland. He resolutely affirmed Puntland’s plan to honour the much-awaited one-person, one-vote elections.
Garowe, Puntland, SOMALIA.
Reflecting on the May local council elections, the Minister highlighted the adoption of the one-person, one-vote system. Moreover, he conveyed optimism for its application in upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary polls.
Minister Mohamud addressed the time-bound apprehensions by confirming the feasibility of orchestrating the elections within the ensuing 90 days of the government’s mandate. He listed the readiness of requisite equipment, the government’s fiscal support, and an impressive roster of over 400,000 voters registered on the Puntland Electoral Commission’s (PEC) server. The Minister remained confident in the PEC’s capability to oversee the elections seamlessly.
Dissent is in the minority
However, as is the case with any democratic process, dissenting voices were not absent. These individuals remain in the minority. They have suggested reverting to older systems wherein clan elders selected Parliament Members, as opposed to the democratic choice of citizens. They have, in isolated instances, expressed apprehensions about the recent leadership elections in the local councils, which were widely praised for being fair and transparent.
Despite these sporadic concerns, the majority sentiment echoes appreciation for the government’s efforts. It’s important to highlight the accolades the government has received for the systematic execution of the local elections. It has garnered acknowledgement from different regions across Somalia. The unwavering assurance from the government about the forthcoming elections proceeding as planned offers a beacon of hope. It remains essential for all stakeholders to place trust in the Puntland Electoral Commission and the democratization process.
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