SUNDAY EDITORIAL | It is very very unfortunate that, 10 years later, Puntland is still using the clan-based selection criteria.

Parliamentary and presidential elections are approaching fast in Puntland, a self-governing region in northern Somalia. By January next year, God willing, Puntland will elect a new president and replace the current government, which has faced serious allegations of massive corruption, nepotism, lack of vision and outright incompetence.

Under the administration of Gen. Adde Muse, the current ruler, Puntland has undergone a near-collapse, in terms of security, government structure and economic recovery. Last week, one of the regional authority's most-respected officials, Ms. Asha Ghelle, resigned as the Minister for Women and Family Affairs. Ms. Ghelle's resignation cannot be taken lightly, as it is part of a worrying trend of valuable officials who have resigned since 2005.

The Puntland Parliament has shown maturity during its ongoing session in the capital, Garowe. Lawmakers have challenged Muse's officials, especially Finance Minister Mohamed Gaagaab, to come clean about the budget and how government funds were utilized. Not surprising, Mr. Gaagaab did not have any reasonable answers as to why government employees are unpaid or how money donated by Australian mining firm Range Resources, Ltd., was spent.

It is very very unfortunate that, 10 years later, Puntland is still using the clan-based selection criteria for the 66-seat Parliament. It was the duty of past administrations to prepare the region for multi-party elections, but this was never a serious focus for the leaders.

The next administration has many difficult tasks ahead, but the most important task is restoring Puntland's image as a peaceful region in an erstwhile volatile country. Secondly, political development and upholding the rule of law is a must, to save the region from future crises, such as today's dilemma.

With reliable security and political stability, the economy will gradually gain strength and the people's day-to-day lives will feel a difference. After all, that is what a government is for.

Garowe Online Editorial, editorial@garoweonline.com