Monday January 8, 2024
FILE PHOTO - A lawmaker casts his ballot during the last Puntland Presidential elections.
Garowe (HOL) - As Puntland prepares for Monday's presidential election, the region stands at a critical juncture. Amidst a backdrop of intense political unrest and strategic electoral shifts, the election marks a crucial test for the region's commitment to democracy and political stability.
In early December, incumbent leader Said Abdullahi Deni conceded to demands for maintaining the indirect electoral system, quelling some of the opposition's immediate concerns. This system vests the power to choose the state's leader in the hands of 66 lawmakers, themselves appointed by clan elders. The change was seen as a retreat from Deni's earlier attempt to modify the electoral system, an effort that had led to deadly street battles in Garowe, Puntland's capital.
The turmoil in June resulted from Deni's proposal for a direct voting system, breaking from the traditional clan-based process. This move incited fierce resistance, especially since it came shortly after Puntland's landmark local council elections - the region's first direct polls in over 50 years. Despite the historic nature of these elections, opposition groups allege that Deni's intentions were self-serving, aimed at skewing the upcoming presidential ballot in his favour.
Eleven diverse candidates are contending for the presidency. Incumbent Said Abdullahi Deni, seeking a second term, faces significant competition from a range of experienced politicians and diplomats. Key challengers include Dr. Abdiwali Ali Gaas, a Somali American economist and former Prime Minister of Somalia, known for his tenure at the national level and experience in the Federal Parliament. Jama Abdullahi Mohamed, stepping down as Somalia's Ambassador to Turkey to run for vice presidency, brings international diplomatic expertise to the table. Ahmed Isse Awad, having served as the ambassador to the USA and as Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs, offers a strong background in foreign policy.
Other prominent contenders include Dr. Guled Salah Barre, a former minister and election commissioner, whose insights into governance and electoral systems are especially pertinent given recent electoral reforms in Puntland. Abshir Omar Huruse, currently serving as Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs, brings a contemporary perspective on national and global political dynamics. Asad Osman Abdullahi, a co-founder of the Mideye Political Association, represents grassroots political engagement and community-focused leadership. Mohamed Abdirahman Farole, an economist and founder of Garowe Online, combines economic expertise with a legacy of political involvement, being the son of former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole.
The controversies surrounding the election extend beyond the electoral system itself. The composition of the new Puntland Parliament announced on January 1, has been contentious. The inclusion of 17 members from the SSC-Khatumo, despite their administration's declared separation from Puntland, raised questions about the integrity of the selection process. Claims of interference by President Deni further intensified doubts, with allegations of him personally handpicking certain parliament members.
The reaction from Puntland's presidential candidates was swift and critical. They condemned the new parliament list as being influenced by Deni, warning of dire consequences for Puntland's political stability. This tension was evident in the actions of military forces loyal to these candidates, who fortified positions in anticipation of potential clashes and withdrew from the Sool region to converge on Garowe.
Despite these challenges, the parliamentary process proceeded. On January 4, lawmakers elected Abdirisakh Ahmed Said Farah as the new speaker in a decisive vote that saw his closest competitors withdraw. Farah, a former chairman of the Puntland electoral committee and an ally of Deni, was viewed skeptically by the opposition, yet his election was eventually accepted.
Adding to the complexity, the newly elected parliament saw the selection of Deputy Speakers, namely Mohamed Barre Shire and Mohamed Mahmud Isse, further solidifying the new legislative framework. Their election occurred just days before the scheduled presidential election, underscoring Puntland's rapid pace of political events.
The run-up to Monday's highly anticipated election has been marked by heightened political activity, with 22 candidates for president and vice president addressing the parliament on Sunday. They collectively vowed to respect the election outcome, a commitment observed keenly by political analysts and the international community. The spotlight is on Deni, whose chances of re-election are deemed high by analysts, given his substantial influence over the electoral process.