President of Puntland state in Somalia paves the way for stability
Abdullahi Dani agrees to return to the mechanism of indirect elections, stating that the decision aims to avoid violence in the state
The parliament of Puntland State in Somalia, which enjoys semi-autonomous rule, will choose the next leader of the state on January 8th after the current leader, Said Abdullahi Dani, rejected proposed changes to the electoral system that led to clashes earlier this year.
Forces from the region engaged in battles with opposition fighters in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, in June after Dani sought to make changes to the constitution that would mandate elections based on the principle of “one person, one vote.”
Opposition groups in Puntland, located on the northeastern coast of Somalia on the Indian Ocean, accused Dani, the current president seeking a second five-year term, of trying to manipulate the voting process in his favor.
Dani said late on Wednesday that the next leader of the state would be chosen according to the current system by the 66 lawmakers elected by the regional legislature, who are selected by clan elders.
He indicated that he agreed to return to the mechanism of indirect elections, describing the decision as “difficult,” and explaining that he “made it considering the circumstances in Puntland to avoid violence in the state,” according to “Soomaaliya Cusub” website.
The clan leaders will choose 66 deputies, comprising the regional parliament, who will, in turn, elect the next president of Puntland. This was requested by senior clan leaders in the state who considered that the remaining time for the regional government was insufficient to hold popular elections.
Puntland’s parliament approved Dani‘s proposal today, Thursday, to hold elections in January and extend his term for another year. The official Somali news agency quoted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as saying that Dani‘s decision removes the uncertainty surrounding the elections and paves the way for a peaceful and stable future in Puntland.
Dani held a meeting last weekend with the leaders of political parties, including “Evyey,” “Sinaad,” “Al-Amal,” “Kah,” “Mustaqbal,” and “Rano,” and emphasized his government’s readiness to negotiate with the aim of conducting elections and ensuring stability, stating that the solution would not come through the strength of arms.
