On the Epoch-making Local Government Elections in Puntland State of Somalia

[Deeq A.]

A grandmother casting her vote at a polling station in Puntland earlier today.

Garoowe (PP Editorial ) — Gradualism and eagerness to embrace change are two qualities that mark out Puntland State of Somalia. Today, 30 voters of districts have gone to the polling stations to cast their votes in Puntland to finalise the second phase of local government elections conducted in 2021 at three districts (Eyl, Ufayn and Qardho). Elections mark the end of the tradition-bound form of governance that enables traditional leaders to select Puntland Parliament MPs, a practice that hand unlimited powers to the executive branch of the government.

Driven: President Said Abdullahigoonle Deni has demonstrated a political acumen to build consensus on reforming Puntland politics for the benefit of citizens.

President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland State realised that, for Puntland State to advocate the implementation of a genuine federal system in principle, it should set a decentralisation example. Local government elections in Puntland are based on a desire and commitment to return power to the citizens at the district and village level. The district will be the basis for launching a political career. The new political parties will have popular legitimacy that can only be secured through grassroots voting.  An aspiring politician will be required to prove his mettle in public spiritedness at the district or village level. Out goes the elite bargain, in comes politics based on accountability. 80% of budgets will have to be devolved to districts; an independent audit regime will be put in place alongside a reformed and independent judiciary.

Dutiful: Abdirizak A. Said, TPEC Chairman.

Five political associations will emerge as political parties. This is a marked improvement on an earlier plan to bring into existence only three political parties. The political space in Puntland is wider and more conducive to competitive politics ll based more on ideas than identity or opportunistic coalitions to capture the presidency and the parliament. That internally displaced people in Puntland voted in local government elections reminds many people of the fact that internally displaced people founded the first autonomous administration in Somalia in 1998.

Voters in Boosaaso wait to exercise their right to vote in the first direct local government elections in Somalia since 1969.

A successful voter registration exercise overseen by Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission made the second phase local government elections possible. TPEC has run a voter awareness programme based on, among other themes, symbols of the nine political associations contesting for political party status.  A new generation of political leaders will revitalise politics in Puntland. 1065 female candidates, compared to 2710 male candidates, are contesting the seats of 33 district councils.

Returning officers count votes in a Puntland district.

Puntland State of Somalia has a relatively young population. The idea to seek political legitimacy from districts has the potential to imbue politics with a sense of political accountability now undercut by the current system that benefits a select group of politicians who benefit from the political marketplace. Detractors of the local government elections demanded a clarity on January 2024 Puntland elections, interpreted by some critics as a candid call to return to the old system regardless of the outcome of  local government elections.

People of three districts of Nugaaal, (Garoowe, Dangorayo and Godobjiiraan) have not voted today after TPEC yesterday postponed elections in those districts to seek consensus from stakeholders. The epoch-making Puntland local government elections have redefined politics in Somalia. Politicians, be aware!

© Puntland Post, 2023

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