IC lauds Puntland polls build-up as Deni, opposition ease disputes

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The international community has lauded Puntland for preparations for the upcoming district council elections amid hopes of a peaceful process after the opposition and the state government resolved to settle their differences.

The foreign diplomats and the UN particularly praised the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), for its efforts ‘to overcome significant challenges in preparing for this historic event of direct elections.’

“The partners encourage all stakeholders to contribute to ensuring the elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, and to address any questions or disputes that may arise through dialogue and the legal framework,” the partners said in a joint statement.

The remarks followed reports on Monday that President Abdullahi Deni administration and the opposition had struck a deal to allow ‘peaceful conduct of elections.’

The opposition politicians have accepted in principle that the elections should be held peacefully and that the troops should be expelled from the city, a source said.

The opposition had stationed its forces in parts of the capital Garowe amid reports of tensions. A former Deputy Commander of the Puntland Security Forces at Garowe Airport Hayle Arabay Hireey was killed on Monday under unclear circumstances.

District council elections are set to be held on Thursday.