Puntland Proposes Consultative Conference on Somalia Elections

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has welcomed the electoral summit organised by Federal Government of Somalia although he described it as the initiative of the “International Partners.” President Deni proposed a “consultative conference and an inclusive agenda”, two demands that are likely to derail the electoral talks.

The International Community called on political stakeholders to finalise the 17 September electoral model in line with Baidoa recommendations. Jubaland and Puntland are seeking renegotiation of the 17 September agreement despite concessions from the Federal Government to return to indirect elections demanded by Puntland and Jubaland Presidents. The concession led to the abrogation of the Electoral Law that was to be a basis for one person, one vote elections.

Further delays through a new consultative conference create complications given the position of Puntland and Jubaland to include the legitimacy of the Federal Government in the talks.

“Term extension is on the cards if Puntland and Jubaland continue to filibuster the electoral talks. The role of the International Community has been to avoid being accused of being partial although some ambassadors have questioned the sovereignty of Somalia by raising objections to possible term extension by the Parliament if talks fail again” said Ahmed Ismail, a political commentator in Mogadishu.

© Puntland Post, 2021

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