(18/11/23) GAROWE – The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC) made a significant announcement today in a press conference held in Garowe, addressing the ongoing disputes surrounding the election process in the region. The PEC has decided to initiate a vote and a personal election, a contentious issue that has been a source of disagreement between opposition members and President Said Abdullahi Deni. The commission emphasized its commitment to progressing the election process to navigate the current transitional phase.
Significantly, the commission has set a date for the commencement of voter registration, marking December 16 as the starting point. “We have agreed that December 16 is the day we will launch or begin the re-opening of what is called registration,” stated the governor during the press conference. In addition to voter registration, the PEC plans to conduct awareness programs across Puntland, collaborating with various organizations to facilitate this process. This move is seen as a step towards ensuring a more inclusive and informed electoral process.
The chairman also extended an invitation to the political parties that have remained absent from the discussions, urging them to join the electoral process and contribute to the efforts underway. “I would like to send a call to the political parties that have not yet appeared here to join us, and I hope so,” he remarked.
This announcement follows a recent message from President Deni to the opposition, expressing his willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the electoral disputes. The PEC’s decision and the president’s call for dialogue indicate a potential shift towards reconciliation and cooperation in Puntland’s political landscape.
Halqabsi News
