Somalia: Puntland leadership, officials endorse seats increase for Somaliland community

MOGADISHU, Somalia- A delegate led by Puntland Vice President, who visited the Somali capital of Mogadishu, were reported to back Somaliland community’s request for higher quota in the Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament, Garowe Online reports.

Somaliland elders and politicians stated the request reflects region’s power-sharing accord during the union of northern and southern regions of Somalia back in 1960.

The letter which was obtained by GO, indicates Puntland Vice President, Abdihakim Haji Abdualhi Omar, Puntland parliamentarian, Sadiq Gaarad and Puntland Minister, Abdi Mohamed were among other signatories, who demanded Somalia’s National Leadership Forum and international community to allocate 33-percent quota for clans hailing from northern region in the upcoming Upper House chamber.

Somaliland elders and politicians stated the endorsement of higher quota would be a significant step in the course to reunite the country.    

Earlier, GO has reported that Vice President and MPs hailing from contested regions of Sool, Sanag and Ayn, held talks with politicians and elders from Somaliland elders in Mogadishu, over the disputed seats distribution for clans hailing from northern region.

On the other hand, Puntland President, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” who is attending the ongoing NLF conference in Mogadishu, is believed to have a role in Somaliland’s request for additional seats, which could undermine Puntalnd’s territorial sovereignty. 

This comes amid delays to conclude the parliamentary elections in December 2016,  and postponement of the Somali presidential election for the fifth time since September 10.

GAROWEONLINE