Somalia: Indirect or Direct vote? Deni's election headache in Puntland

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland's electoral conflict may turn from bad to worse in the coming weeks following conflicting statements by major players, it has emerged, over two months before the tenure of President Said Abdullahi Deni expires, and could potentially affect the stability of the region.

Deni's tenure will elapse in January 2024 but there are political undertones that he may use his powers to "illegally" extend the term by two years, contrary to the dictates of the constitution. Already, regional lawmakers have changed some clauses, triggering sharp political reactions from a number of players.

Earlier this week, a group of opposition politicians held a joint conference in Garowe where they strongly warned Deni against "illegal term extension" while calling for "timely" elections. Should the administration fail to hold the polls, a statement read by the team noted, the opposition will "facilitate" elections.

But it is the model of elections in which the opposition and Deni's government have sharply differed, with the latter calling for direct elections and the former preferring the traditional approach which gives elders impetus in the election of lawmakers and the president of the regional states in Somalia.

During the opposition conference, the leaders emphasized that the clan model was "effective" based on the circumstances, citing "tampering" of the voter registration exercise which they insist was not transparent. A number of underage children were registered at home.

The District Counsel elections were conducted but the opposition leadership maintained the exercise was not only "shambolic" but also "corrupt". The ruling KAAH party, they argued, was greatly favored. Consequently, they said, there is the possibility of "rigging" elections.

On Friday, Deni reiterated that his team would be comfortable with direct polls, noting that "it has worked in the past". The local council polls had credibility questioned by the opposition which called for an audit, but since then, Deni has remained quiet over the matter.

In his address, Deni denied plans to extend his term using regional lawmakers, despite having used them to change the law to his advantage. According to him, parties will have to conduct 66 parliamentary elections in a direct exercise.

"As the president of the state, I announce that the state is committed to a one-person, one-vote election system, which will proceed according to the law and on schedule. I will adhere to the time limits stipulated by the rules and the law," President Deni stated.

According to him, the opposition was "undermining democracy" in Puntland, adding that they had no option but to participate in the local exercise. Although the opposition is yet to respond to Deni's remarks, they insist that he wants to "hide" in direct polls by "manipulating" the outcome.

GAROWE ONLINE