Puntland Interior Minister: 2021 elections must take place on time

[Deeq A.]

Garowe (PP News Desk) — Puntland Ministrr for Intrerior Mohamed Abdirahman Dhaban’ad spoke to the media representatives today in Galka’yo to clarify  the political position of Puntland State on 2021 elections in Somalia.

“We caution against the use of any pretext to delay 2021 elections. Elections are constitutional. We urge the Federal Government and Federal Member States to put their heads together to prepare the country for elections” the Minister said.

Dhaban’ad: Elections should take place in Somalia on time

Mr Dhaban’ad noted the health emergency Somalia is going through as a result of Covid-19 and called for Federal Members States “to follow in the footsteps of Puntland commended by WHO for preventive measures against Covid-19.”    Puntland State has yet to endorse the Electoral Law passed in December by the Federal Parliament and the Upper House.

The Electoral Law stipulates term extension for the presidency and legislatures in the event of unforeseen circumstances that adversely affect the electoral schedule. Covid-19 is one such circumstance that may necessitate postponement of the planned presidential elections for one or two years. Throughout Somalia there are restrictions in place on public gatherings and conferences.

Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has indefinitely postponed a planned visit to Mogadishu and administrative headquarters of Federal Member States.

Puntland oo ku baaqday in doorashadu xilligeeda qabsoonto.

Posted by Puntland Post on Saturday, April 11, 2020

© Puntland Post, 2020  

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