(06-06-23) BOSASO — The Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) has expressed confidence in resolving the ongoing political dispute surrounding local government elections in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland. The dispute has impacted not only politics but also the security situation in the capital.
Abdirizak Ahmed Said, Chairman of TPEC, stated in an interview with the BBC Somali Service that the Puntland Ministry of Interior and traditional elders are working towards a consensus on holding elections in three districts in the Nugal region, including Garowe.
“We are at an advanced stage of negotiations and are hopeful that in the coming days, we will announce the schedule for holding elections in these districts,” said the Chairperson. He dismissed any major challenges affecting the electoral process, emphasising that the ongoing discussions are purely political and aimed at ensuring the elections proceed without further delay.
However, opposition forces opposing the conduct of elections in Garowe remain stationed on the outskirts of the city. They are yet to adhere to a recent decision by the committee tasked with resolving the dispute, which called on them to return to their barracks and leave the political and electoral issues to the relevant parties.
