Somalia: Puntland leader defends move to back down in poll row

GAROWE, Somalia-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has defended his recent move to ease deadlock regarding 2016 electoral transition in the wake of social media storm, Garowe Online reports.

On Sunday, UN-backed national government and Puntland agreed to a blueprint guaranteed by the Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers and Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr TedrosAdhanom.  

Ali appeared on the State Television, PLTV, to allay upsurge in criticism launched of his government, saying Puntland backed down in favor of national interests after weighing in on breakaway decision.

“We [Puntland] have had difficult compromises before us including; for Puntland to consider seceding from Somalia, to take a back seat in 2016 elections and to strike a balance in the deadlock,” said President Ali. 

He added that Puntland’s move served national interests, and averted further fragmentation in the country.  

“The agreement clears the way for fair and transparent election by 2020, and a roadmap is ready for that,” Puntland President added.  

On April 4, parties struck a deal covering scheme for 2016 Electoral Process, Upper House, 2020 roadmap, and tight implementation to be closely monitored by international community.  

UN Somalia envoy Ambassador Michael Keating, AU representative Francisco Madiera, EU envoy Michele Cervone d’Urso, IGAD Chief Mahboub Maalin, Ambassador Mohamed AbdiAfay, Ethiopian Foreign Affairs mInister Adhanom and diplomats from Turkey, UAE, Sweden, Djibouti as well as Italy attended the signing ceremony in Puntland capital, Garowe.  

Somalia Federal Government and Puntland have been at loggerheads on which modality Somalia should adopt for 2016 selection and election process.

 In January, Mogadishu-based federal government introduced a model endorsed by international community. 

Puntland immediately objected to the proposal, citing opposition by wider public opinion.  

Ever since, there have been efforts to achieve a deal between the two sides.

GAROWEONLINE