Puntland Sets Local Government Elections’ Date

Against the status quo: President Deni aims to transform the political system of Puntland State to introduce decentralisation and accountability at the village level.

Garowe (PP News Desk) — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni signed a presidential decree specifying the date for conducting the second phase of local government elections throughout Puntland State of Somalia.

“In line with Article 80 of Puntland State Constitution and Article 7 of Puntland Electoral Law, and the directive from the Transitional  Puntland Electoral Commission on timeframe for local government elections, the date for conducting local government elections is hereby officially declared to be on 25/5/2023. The presidential decree comes into force upon being signed by Puntland State President” reads a press release distributed to the local media.

The second phase of local government elections follows in the footsteps of the first phase successfully conducted in Eyl, Ufayn and Qardho almost two years ago.

The local government elections will take place 6 months before the incumbent Puntland President’s term of office comes to end. Substantive representation at the district level could transform Puntland presidential election system still based on the votes of 60-plus MPs, a practice that severely limits the role of the Puntland legislature.

© Puntland Post, 2023