(10-10-23) GAROWE— Puntland’s leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, returned to Garowe today after an overseas trip that took him to the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Kenya. President Deni’s arrival in Garowe coincides with increasing concern from opposition groups over the nature of the upcoming regional elections. Key opposition figures convened a two-day summit today to deliberate on the region’s electoral path as disagreements with the current administration linger.
The Puntland government staunchly supports conducting universal suffrage elections, mirroring the recently successful local council elections held across various districts. In contrast, opposition leaders, citing time constraints with President Deni’s term expiring in less than three months, advocate for adhering to the traditional election model previously employed in the region. They emphasise the need to ensure that the presidential elections are conducted by 8 January 2024. Furthermore, they accuse President Deni of angling for a term extension, even though he has recently refuted such intentions.
Political analysts suggest that given the president’s aspiration for a “one person, one vote” election, an extension might indeed be inevitable due to the limited time left in his term. Such a possibility is causing unease among opposition groups.
Halqabsi News
