Wednesday November 15, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland's opposition umbrella unilaterally released a schedule for parliamentary and presidential elections on Tuesday, signalling their commitment to last week's decisions from the traditional elder council meeting.
The 28 traditional leaders recently urged regional leaders to prepare for an indirect election, where clan leaders would select lawmakers. Subsequently, the lawmakers would elect the Parliament's leadership, President, and Vice President. A move in which President Said Deni opposed.
According to the statement from the opposition groups, they have aligned the election schedule with the election mode recommended by the elders, commencing with the parliamentary elections. The opposition stated that their decision aims to thwart President Deni's attempt to establish an illegal extension period.
They further announced that on the 15th of this month, an awareness campaign about the selection of Puntland lawmakers would start in Puntland.
In a recent development, the Puntland Electoral Commission unveiled the schedule for a one-person, one-vote election, a plan President Said Deni strongly emphasized. Said Deni stated his commitment to enabling the people to vote for their leaders based on the specified election timeline.
The opposition's move could escalate the political conflict over the regional elections. However, the 28 traditional leaders and the opposition groups emphasized that the election must occur on January 8, 2024.