(26-05-23) BOSASO – The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has commended the exemplary conduct of all involved parties. Addressing the nation in a brief but inspiring speech on Thursday night, Deni lauded the peaceful nature of the recently concluded vote, stressing the importance of democratic values in the region.
“I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to the Transitional Committee for Puntland Elections, our disciplined government forces, and all electoral officials who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this electoral process,” said Deni, whose words conveyed both appreciation and pride.
President Deni didn’t miss the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the political organisations that participated in the election. He highlighted their commitment and hard work in mobilising the community to exercise their democratic right to vote. Deni’s words echoed a sense of unity and cooperation, affirming that political competition can coexist with mutual respect and peaceful engagement.
In his concluding remarks, Deni stressed the importance of the person and vote system, indicating that it provides the community with the power to elect their leaders directly, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among the people.
“The onus is on us to ensure that the leaders we elect reflect our collective aspirations and the power to make that happen lies in the system of person and vote,” he concluded.
This historic local election in Puntland, marked by its peaceful conduct and high levels of public participation is an embodiment of the maturing democratic practices in Somalia.
