Puntland President Casts Doubt on Feasibility of Universal Suffrage in Somalia

Garowe- The president of Puntland State of Somalia cast doubts on the possibility of universal suffrage in Somalia next year.

Speaking at the function launching the Work Plan for the interim state electoral agency, President Deni called on the federal government to come out clear on the matter

Deni said it is not clear how the one-man-one-vote election will be realized with only one year left to prepare for such a monumental task. 

President Deni lamented the ambiguity of the election model the country will adopt for the next year’s election. He questioned the compatibility of the previous 4.5 power-sharing formula and the universal suffrage initiative.

“With only one year left of the federal elections, we don’t have any clear roadmap for the election. You know, in 2011 and 2012, in Garowe 1 and 2 conferences, the proposal was to scrap the 4.5 power-sharing system. That was not achieved in the 2016 election. Again, an agreement was signed in Garowe to never use that system again. Now with only one year left before the election, the parliament is just now debating how to proceed. “

President Deni

Puntland’s leader urged the federal government to hold inclusive consultations to discuss the modality of the country’s next election.

Deni’s remarks come amid concerns among various stakeholders that Somalia may not realize the one-person-one-vote milestone given the remaining time.

Parliamentary elections are expected to take place as from October next year culminating into presidential elections February 2021.

Somaliland.com