Garowe (HOL) - Puntland's regional parliament agreed to debate an amendment on Tuesday for a provision in the state constitution regarding the number of political organizations participating in the elections.
In a unanimous vote, all 36 attending MPs cast their ballots in favour of modifying the constitution. A special committee presented a report to the parliament on the matter.
In response to this unrest, Puntland's President Deni urged the parliament last night to expedite the process of amending the constitution. The prompt resolution of this issue would allow the electoral commission to officially announce the five political organizations set to participate as recognized parties in the upcoming elections.
The parliamentary debate to amend the constitution comes in the face of
escalating political tension in Puntland. Federal senators representing Puntland gathered in the regional capital of Garowe for a private meeting on Monday with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni.
In the meeting, senators pressed President Deni to promptly tackle the divisive election dispute, further intensified by the opposition's boycott and accusations of vote manipulation during the state's
recent historic local elections. The conversation emphasized the importance of preserving Puntland's unity, security, and stability, especially with the upcoming regional parliamentary poll.
The specific involvement of opposition representatives in these discussions remains unclear. This meeting followed an earlier consultation where federal senators engaged with key political figures, including Puntland's parliamentary speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril and his deputy Abdiaziz Abdullahi Osman.
As the political drama continues to unfold, Garowe is gripped by a
palpable sense of unease. Fear of potential confrontations between state forces and opposition-backed militias has led to a significant decrease in daily activities. Commercial operations have slowed, and traffic across the city has nearly ceased.
Central to the dispute are proposed amendments to the Puntland constitution. With the regional parliamentary poll scheduled for January 2023, opposition members fear President Deni might unlawfully alter the constitution to extend his term in office.
Puntland's parliament resumed its session on Thursday.