Saturday June 24, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland's Minister of Information, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, reiterated on Friday that the state's presidential election would take place at a time determined by them, despite the recent surge of election-related violence in the state capital, Garowe, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people.
The Minister emphasized that Puntland would not revert to tribal elections, stating that the decision regarding the election lies with the electoral commission and the emerging parties.
Indirect elections have been the norm in Puntland for the past 24 years. "Anyone who desires tribal elections should go to the countryside," said Puntland's Minister of Information. He stressed that those who oppose direct elections reject the inclusion of political organizations in the political process as they seek tribal leadership in Puntland.
Last week, at least 26 people died in the violence that erupted in Garowe. Heavy clashes broke out early on Tuesday in the state capital as the local parliament deliberated changes to the voting system.
Three other witnesses described heavy fighting that erupted after opposition groups accused Puntland's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, of seeking constitutional changes that would extend his term in office beyond January next year or help tip the ballot in his favour.