UNDERREPRESENTED PUNTLAND CONSTITUENCIES CALL FOR A FAIR SELECTION PROCESS

[Deeq A.]

Traditional leaders, peace-seekers ( nabad-doons) and business leaders of Bari region held a consultative conference between 22 and 26 September, 2020. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the selection process or MPs and Senators ahead of the upcoming indirect elections in Somalia. Representatives from the nine Majeerteen subclans. who attended the conference, have issued the following seven-point resolutions:

1. The nine Majeerteen subclans (mentioned below) deplore the return to indirect elections but wholeheartedly welcome the election agreement signed by the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States, and endorsed by the Upper House and Lower House.

Representatives from nine Puntland subclans deplore the return to indirect elections in Somalia.

2. The distribution of the parliamentary and the Upper House seats for Majeerteen subclans must be fair and transparent, with opportunities for subclans that have been underrepresented in both Houses being given utmost priority.

3. We call on the participation all Majeerteen subclans in the selection process to ensure transparency and impartiality for prospective MPs and Senators

4. We believe that fairness and transparency can be maintained if all subclans have a role in the selection processes. In the past only subclans that sent MPs or Senators to the Upper House and Lower House had participated in selection processes. That meant exclusion of many subclans from the selection process..

5. We call on the ad hoc electoral commission to be tasked with the overseeing the selection of MPs and Senators to ensure that slots for new Puntland Senators be reserved for Majeerteen subclans that have not had representation privileges since 2004, when Somalia adopted a federal system.

6. We believe equality, fairness and justice are cornerstones of peaceful co-existence.

7. We urge the International Community and the Federal Government of Somalia to keep an eye on the selection processes for MPs and Senators from Puntland.

Following are the nine Majeerteen subclans that issued the seven-point resolutions.

1. Wabeeneeye
2. Cabdirahiin Ibraahim
3. Amaanle
4. Idigfacle
5. Wadalmoge
6. Cabdiraxiim Saleebaan
7. Saalah Ibraahim
8. Reer Waarag
9. Ismaaciil Saleebaan

The post UNDERREPRESENTED PUNTLAND CONSTITUENCIES CALL FOR A FAIR SELECTION PROCESS appeared first on Puntland Post.