Somalia: Puntland re-launches multi-party political system

GAROWE, Puntland- The government of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, has officially re-launched the multi-party political system, as part of the democratization process in the region, Garowe Online report.

The event which organized by Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) was held in Garowe city, the state capital of Puntland, on Saturday with the participation of Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas”, cabinet ministers, state parliamentarians, representatives from the international organizations and members of the civil society. 

During the ceremony, deputy chairman of TPEC, Mahmoud Hasan Sofe, revealed that the commission has conclude the policies and provisions pertaining the political association in the region, which can be directly obtained from the commission.

Mohamed Hasan Bare, former chairman of TPEC during previous administration led by Abdirahman Farole, said they have encountered huge challenges to introduce the political party system to ensure transition from clan-based form of governance to democracy in Puntland.

On his side, Puntland President said his administration is committed to implement the democratization process and carry out the local council elections by the end of this year. He also criticized the international organizations for placing pressure on his administration and requested their financial support and technical assistance.

In Last November, the chairman of TPEC, Ahmed Mohamed Ali “Kismayo” has resigned from his post, however, Puntland government didn’t appoint replacement since his sudden departure.

When he was elected as Puntland, Ali promised that his administration will carry on the multi-party system as part of political changes during his first year. With less than two years left to his mandate, the public is doubting the government is capable of delivering the promise amid huge tasks including region’s census, voter education and registration.

It is noteworthy that in 2014, President Ali then presidential candidate was among political spoilers who sabotaged the municipal elections during the past administration, citing lack of time to implement the procedure in transparent and fair manners. 

The move comes amid worsening drought conditions in the region, whereas neighboring separatist Somaliland, has postponed the presidential election due to drought that affected thousands of families in the region.

GAROWEONLINE