Somalia: Puntland Vice President backs Somaliland elders' request for additional parliamentary seats

MUQDISHO, Somalia- In a letter sent to the Somali National Leadership Forum (NLF) and international community, elders hailing from Somaliland community have requested Somali leaders for additional seats in the Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament, that reflect region’s power sharing  in respect to the union of northern and southern Somalia back in 1960, Garowe Online reports.

The letter which was obtained by GO, shows the elders requesting about 15 to 18 seats to be allocated for Somaliland community in the Upper House election.

Close sources tell GO, that Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Haji Omar and Puntland MPs among them MP Sadiq Gaarad, took a major role in convincing Somaliland elders to demand for additional seats.

Vice President and MPs hailing from contested regions Sool, Sanag and Ayn, are currently in a visit in the Somali capital of Mogadishu for the past 21 days, and reported they held meetings with Somaliland elders to negotiate with the Somali leaders for higher quota for their northern region in the upcoming Federal Parliament. 

The letter was drafted following the conclusion of meetings between Puntland delegate led by Vice President with elders and politicians from Somaliland, added the sources.

On the other hand, Puntland President, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” who is attending the ongoing NLF conference in Mogadishu, is believed to have role in these decisions that could undermine state's territorial sovereignty and contradicts with the constitution.

GAROWEONLINE