(02/08/23) GAROWE – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has stated that he harbours no plans to extend his term of office. These remarks came during a speech given at the August 1st commemoration event at the Garowe Presidency on Tuesday night.
“I am ready for a party contest on January 8, and I promise that if I lose, I will hand over the position peacefully. Let the country have peace,” said President Deni, as he dismissed the topic of term extension outright.
His remarks provide assurance to those concerned about the Puntland presidential election’s integrity, scheduled for January 8, 2024. Deni made it clear that he intends to uphold the democratic process and keep the peace in the region, reiterating his commitment to step down if he does not secure a victory in the forthcoming elections.
These recent developments effectively quash allegations levelled by opposition politicians from Puntland, who had claimed that President Deni was strategising an illegal term extension. The President’s clear stance on the matter brings a sense of relief to political discourse in the region, amidst an already charged political environment.
With the assurance of a peaceful transition of power should he fail to win re-election, the political scene in Puntland is expected to remain stable as the region heads into the 2024 presidential elections.
