Somalia: Puntland president refutes term extension claims

GAROWE, Somalia - Said Abdullahi Deni, the leader of Puntland state, has for the first time refuted claims of plot to extend his term in office, with the region set for the presidential election in under six months, as enshrined in the constitution, which has been deliberately attack from legislators.

Amid pressure from the opposition, government-leaning legislators have approved the move to amend the constitution, but have hidden their cards, choosing not to reveal the clauses that will be subject to changes. Analysts believe that Deni is using parliament to extend his term.

But during the 25th celebrations of Puntland establishment on Monday, Deni seized the opportunity to deny the claims, arguing that he is ready to participate in elections which are scheduled for January 2024, when his term elapses.

“I want to tell you here, the government that I am in charge of, especially the cabinet and myself, I am telling the people of Puntland, and I am telling them loudly, that the government that I am the head of is hoping or ready for the election on time,” Deni said.

For the last several months, opposition politicians have questioned his integrity and honesty, arguing that the decision to rush mysterious amendments to the constitution including an increasing number of political formations and subsequent "opaque" municipality elections, is an indication of probable term extension

For instance, the state parliament approved a universal suffrage election proposal that would lead to a shift from the traditional model in which elders and a few stakeholders participated. Already, two petitions have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the move.

Experts insist that despite the assurance of timely elections by Said Abdullahi Deni, there is no guarantee that the polls would be free and fair, citing the most recent municipality elections where rigging alterations of laws were reported across the state.

"Following last night's speech at the State House, President Said Dani promises timely elections in Puntland. Yet, what happened was not a democratic process but vote rigging, broken laws, and alterations to our state constitution to suppress opponents," noted Mohamed Abdirahman, a security expert.

"Said Dani is changing the laws of the state to adjust to his political needs. Such moves are reminiscent of despots, not democratic leaders," he added. "Timely elections are meaningless without the integrity of the democratic process. No one will accept this so-called democratic process. Puntland, let's stay vigilant."

Puntland is regarded as the most democratic and secure federal state of Somalia but has lately sunk into political upheavals and squabbles, threatening its stability. The region is held highly in terms of governance, with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar terming it an "example" of prosperity in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE