Somalia: Puntland's President Says Election With Predetermined Outcome Is Not Democratic

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has criticized Somalia's federal government's plan to hold a one-person, one-vote election, arguing that a poll whose outcome is already predetermined cannot be considered democratic.

Speaking on the country's electoral process, Deni said there was little value in conducting a direct election if the winner and the ruling party were already known in advance.

"I don't see the point of saying a one-person, one-vote election will be held when everyone already knows who will win and which party will take power. That is not democracy," Deni said.

He accused the federal government of rushing to implement the electoral system while focusing on promoting selected individuals instead of creating conditions for voters to freely choose their leaders.

Deni also argued that Somalia still lacks genuine political fairness and questioned whether citizens would be able to cast their votes in a free and credible election.

The Puntland leader said the country could not be governed through force, stressing that no individual could rule Somalia by coercion.

"Nobody can govern Somalia through the barrel of a gun. The country can only be built through consultation, the rule of law, and the will of the people," he said.

Deni's remarks come as Puntland and Somalia's federal government remain at odds over the country's electoral model and constitutional amendments, disputes that have deepened political divisions in recent months.

GAROWE ONLINE