Somalia: Former governor says Puntland opposition figures have 'personal ambitions' 26 Dec 26, 2012 - 8:45:31 AM
GALKAYO, Somalia Dec 26 2012 (Garowe Online) – Former Mudug Governor Abdirashid Ali Hashi said at a press conference that opposition figures in Puntland lack a clear objective and warned against promoting instability in Puntland, Garowe Online reports.
Mr. Hashi speaking at a press conference in Galkayo said that opposition figures pursuing their own political ambitions should not be endorsing instability through their actions.
"I want to tell the people of Puntland, that politicians from abroad who are not residents of Puntland and have their own personal political ambitions should not be leading the people astray," said Mr. Hashi.
The former Mudug governor added that the politicians should be joining the democratization process by assembling their own political associations to take part in the Puntland elections next year.
"If these politicians do want what is best for Puntland and its people then they would strive to keep peace and security in Puntland," said Mr. Hashi.
Puntland is transitioning into multi-political party system and is slated for local elections mid 2013. The democratization process began in September when political associations were allowed to register legally. Thus far, seven political associations have declared their political associations since November 2012.
Some opposition figures in Puntland have accused incumbent Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and the Puntland Parliament of "term extension" but Puntland officials say the government has fulfilled constitutional requirements and the Puntland Constitution was adopted by a 480-member Constituent Assembly on April 18, 2012, in the presence of Puntland traditional elders, opposition figures, and international diplomats.
President Farole has encouraged opposition figures to launch their own political associations, but local sources say opposition figures are well-known politicians in Puntland that lack the political base support necessary to establish competitive political associations and opposition figures have vocally supported the clan system instead of democratization and multi-party political system supported by the Puntland people.
