(15/11/23) GAROWE – Former Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has urged current President Said Abdullahi Deni and opposition leaders to reach a consensus over the election impasse to facilitate the region’s ability to conduct timely and peaceful elections. Mr Gaas, who has also held the position of Prime Minister of Somalia, warned about the potential repercussions of the existing dispute over the elections. Expressing concerns about the recently released alternate election timetable by the opposition factions, the former leader highlighted the risk of destabilisation in the region.
“My counsel to both parties is to exercise wisdom and to prioritise the welfare of the millions residing in the region, thereby averting political instability in that region,” the former president advised. He emphasised that the onus is primarily on President Deni to ensure that the elections are conducted punctually while also heeding the advice of traditional elders and the international community.
