Somalia: Puntland warns of election meddling in two states

GAROWE, Puntland – Puntland state has warned the Federal Government of Somalia against “naked” interference in the next elections in Jubaland and Galmudug states, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 7, the Ministry of Interior, Federal, and Democratization of Puntland advised the Federal Government to respect people to choose their next leaders without meddling.

This came a day after the country’s Ministry of Interior issued a press release clarifying the procedure of regional elections, saying it will supervise the process and approve the list of the elders who select the MPs.

In addition, the ministry has announced that the venue of Jubaland state election which is scheduled next month will be held at the Police Academy or United Nations headquarters in Kismayo port city.

Meanwhile, Jubaland top leaders have rejected the decision and said the Federal Government will have no role in the elections and said region’s poll body will only be in charge of the process, decide venue.

By December last year, Mogadishu-based Government has directly interfered in Southwest State presidential election and backed former Minister to win the top seat’s race following deadly riots.

Puntland people made their own choice and elected a new parliament and President in last January elections peacefully and democratically without interference from the Federal Government of Somalia.

The aggressive meddling of the regional elections put the relationship between the UN-backed Somali Government and its the Federal Member States in an even worse place than it has been.

GAROWE ONLINE