Puntland Political Associations Voice Concerns About Delayed Democratization Process

Garowe (PP News Desk) — Two Puntland pollical associations, Mideeye and Sincad, have issued a joint state to express frustration about the failure to hold district council sessions for Ufayn, Qardho and Eyl local governments. Puntland Interior Ministry stated that district council sessions slated to have taken place on 27 January 2022 were indefinitely postponed.

President Deni did not consult leaders of Sincad and Mideeye before authorizing postponement of district council sessions for elected councillors of Eyl, Ufayn and Qardho.

Mideeye and Sincad collectively garnered the highest number of votes cast during the pilot local government elections held in October 2021 at Ufayn, Qardho and Eyl.

Kaah, the political association headed by the incumbent Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has received fewer votes, and sees the political partnership formed by the two political associations Sincad as a threat.

Mideeye_ and Sincad deplore the postponement of district council sessions planned to have taken place on 27 January 2022.

“We urge Puntland State Government to keep its promises to bring the democratization process to fruition and operationalize district councils in line with the outcome of pilot local elections since citizens’ votes give district councils legitimacy” reads the joint statement.

Puntland State Government unilaterally postponed district council sessions, a move seen by many people as a blow to democratization process. Three weeks ago, the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission Chairman Guled Salah resigned. He claimed that obstacles had prevented him from carrying out his duties.

© Puntland Post, 2022