Somalia: Puntland cabinet meeting amid election controversy
GAROWE, Somalia-Puntland cabinet ministers gathered for critical meeting in the state capital of Garowe on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.
Presidential spokesman Abdullahi Mohamed Jama told Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe that weekly discussions focused on Somalia election proposal, state of emergency regarding ravaging drought, employment and overall security situation.
He said, cabinet clearly rejected new electoral model in which Lower House representation will be based on traditional 4.5 quota and even distribution of Upper House members to Federal Member States and interim regional administrations.
Jama added that cabinet meeting has not put emphasis on any arrival by Somalia government officials and international community representatives in Puntland, telling foreign diplomats to with all due respect shun using the term ‘inclusive’ for recent election proposal.
Puntland is engaged in grassroots consultations after objecting to any model ushering in 4.5 power sharing formula.
President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali previously rebuffed to sign election blueprint drawn up under the auspices of international community representatives.
SOURCE: GAROWEONLINE