(25-05-23) BOSASO – The highly anticipated local government elections in Puntland State of Somalia began peacefully on Thursday morning. Voters were seen queuing up as early as 5 AM, local time, demonstrating a remarkable level of participation in these historic elections.
The Chairman of the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), Mr Abdirisak Ahmed Said, confirmed the peaceful commencement of the elections in 30 districts across Puntland. Highlighting inclusivity, a blind voter in Bargaal, guided by TPEC officials, exercised his right to vote, proving that there are no barriers to civic participation.
In a press briefing, Chairman Said stated that all polling stations had opened as scheduled, lauding the efforts of the TPEC staff and security forces for their commitment to ensuring a smooth and peaceful electoral process.
TPEC data revealed that over 387,000 voters had registered for these elections, with women making up nearly half (49.7%) of the total registered voters. Moreover, the youth (aged 18-30) constituted a significant 60.6% of registered voters, indicating a promising future for Somali democracy.
Seven political associations are vying for the available seats in these elections. Out of the 3,775 candidates, 1,065 are women, reflecting a considerable 28.2% representation. Moreover, there’s a substantial number of candidates under the age of 35, signifying a generational shift in politics.
Emphasising the inclusive nature of these elections, TPEC stated, “We celebrate the inclusivity of our democracy as elders and citizens with special needs cast their votes, exercising their constitutional rights. This is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard in the electoral process.”
Across seven regions and 33 districts, a total of 475 polling stations have been established, with only three districts having to postpone their elections. The polling stations opened at 6 AM and will close 12 hours later, providing ample time for voters to exercise their franchise.
To ensure the credibility of the elections, international observers from the United Nations (UN), Federal Member States (FMS), civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as local and international media have been deployed. An impressive force of 400 domestic observers are stationed to monitor the election process and report any irregularities promptly.
In addition, CSOs have established an Election Situation Room (ESR) to serve as a reporting hub for observers, providing real-time updates and ensuring swift responses to any issues. These measures are expected to contribute to a seamless election process, promoting free, fair, and credible election outcomes.
Puntland’s adoption of a “one person, one vote” system in local elections is significant for the future of Somali politics. Previously, power was often allocated through a system known as the ‘4.5 formula,’ which aimed to balance power among major and minor clans, but often marginalised smaller groups and didn’t give each individual the same voting power.
The “one person, one vote” system implies a shift from clan-based power sharing to individual-based representation, aiming for a more inclusive and democratic form of governance. The move could set a precedent for Somalia as a whole, as the country has been trying to transition from a clan-based, indirect system to a direct voting system.
