Garowe (PP News Desk) — Puntland Government relieved Badhan district police of duties for failing to counter voter registration plans of Somaliland administration. Puntland Government deployed troops in Badhan, and ordered them to remove any symbols of Somaliland administration.
A delegation led by Puntland Parliamentary Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril visited the contested district last week to fend off accusations that Puntland was unable to block voter registration plans ahead of Somaliland parliamentary elections.
“Puntland and Somaliland administrations have influence in Badhan. Badhan politicians based in Hargeisa are committed to boosting their representation in Hargeisa, and enjoy the support of senior traditional leaders of Badhan constituency” says Ali Farah, an activist from Badhan.
In 2017 elections Waddani, a Somaliland opposition party, won the highest number seats in Sanaag. Badhan reportedly fielded candidates for Kulmiye and Waddani parties.
“Badhan politicians and traditional leaders are keen to maintain their links with Hargeisa because more representation affords them an opportunity to access human development projects under Somaliland Development Fund” a Bosaso-based political journalist told Puntland Post.
Badhan is one of the most-populated districts of Sanaag. Puntland Transitional Electoral Commission excluded Badhan from districts designated as venues for 2021 pilot local elections in Puntland.
© Puntland Post, 2021
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