Embattled Deni warms up to opposition talks as pressure mounts over poll stalemate

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Puntland President Abdullahi Deni who has widely been accused of seeking to extend his stay in office through constitutional changes, has softened his stance and called for dialogue with the opposition a few days after opposition presidential candidates announced a parallel electoral calendar.

While speaking Friday in Garowe, Deni said he was ready to dialogue with the opposition to end the stalemate. The Puntland leader also said the commander of the Danab Special Forcers General Jimaale Takar whom the Deni administration has accused of fomenting strive in the forces against the government.

“As for the military, I am calling on the government to grant amnesty to General Jimaale. I am also calling on the politicians of the current government who have different views to sit down with us and I am ready for anything legal and rational. We have to talk to him,” President Deni said.

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His remarks come barely four days after the opposition denounced the electoral calendar and formula issued by the Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC). The opposition announced last week that a new parliament should be constituted by January 4 while presidential elections will take place on January 8.

The PEC announced last month that both presidential and parliamentary elections will take place on February 25. According to PEC, the elections will be based on a one-person-one-vote formula, a position Deni agrees with.

The opposition has however rejected the electoral formula noting it will not be realised in time thus granting Deni an extended stay in office.