Somalia: Document reveals Puntland President distributing women quota among clans

GAROWE, Puntland- In unofficial document signed by the President of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, shows the clans that are picked to be represented by women candidates for the upcoming Lower House chamber of Federal Parliament, Garowe Online reports.

The paper which was obtained by GO, was confirmed by a member of the electoral commission, whose spoke on a condition of anonymity, said the handwriting document shows influence of Puntland Leadership over the electoral process, which was signed jointly by Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas and both Federal and State level electoral commissions.

The leaked document named 7 clans from Puntland region to be reserved exclusively for women candidates competing for the seats in the upcoming Lower House chamber.

Puntland’s State Indirect Electoral Implementation team (SIEIT) on yesterday, has urged regional clans to bring forward their candidates and delegate lists to expedite the already delayed process, which was set to begin in October 23 and to be concluded by November 10.

However, Puntland’s SIEIT Chairman has acknowledged during the press conference, that the Lower House elections faced delays due to lingering disagreements over women quota and internal disputes between clans on candidates and delegates lists.

On Friday, Somalia’s Independent Electoral Disputes Resolution Mechanism (IEDRM) has also announced it had received over 1200 complaints from clans over the ongoing electoral process, with each complaint filed a payment of $1,000 was made to the Electoral Dispute body.

Other reports also revealed that the clans are pushing efforts and paying bribes to ensure their candidates are backed for the seats in the Lower House chamber.

This comes amid concerns by the international community over the recurrent delays, corruption and intimidation practices in the ongoing electoral process.

The upcoming Somali election which is scheduled to end in November 30, is expected to be marred by bribery and corruption practices amid reiterated support by international community to ensure credible and fair Somali elections.

GAROWEONLINE