Former Puntland President Criticises Union of Presidential Candidates for Inconsistencies

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Former Puntland State President Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali described the “Inconsistencies of the Union of Presidential Candidates as self-defeating”. In a Universal TV interview, Abdiweli said “some members of the Union of Presidential Candidates support the electoral process whereas others have reservations about it.”

Made up of two groups — Aala Sheikh and Damuljadid — the Union of Presidential Candidates questions Lower House election outcomes in Hirshabelle, Galmudug and South West State. The electoral model agreement vests more powers in the Federal Member States to vet candidates for the Lower House to be selected by traditional leaders. Union of Presidential Candidates has endorsed the electoral model for indirect elections.

Abdiweli: “Some members of the Union of Presidential Candidates support the electoral process whereas others have reservations about it.”

“The Union of Presidential Candidates should not be questioning the legitimacy of Federal Member States. The terms of the electoral model agreement give more selection and vetting powers to Federal Member States because the negotiations for consensus on indirect elections had dragged on for several months.” said Mohamud Ibrahim, a journalist in Mogadishu.

The Union of Presidential Candidates yesterday held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble to voice their concerns about Lower House elecction outcomes. “The Union of Presidential Candidates asks for renegotiation of the electoral model agreement so they can have a stakeholder’s role on par with that of Federal Member States” added Mohamud.

© Puntland Post, 2021