It’s our way in 2020 if universal vote fails, Puntland asserts in agreement with Federal Government

Puntland will have its way on the elections of the Federal Parliament 2020 should the one person one vote not materialise, an agreement seen by Goobjoog News between the Federal Government and the northern state stipulates.

The ten point agreement presents a common position by both parties on the need for universal vote in 2020 polls but in the event it does not happen, then the elections of the Upper House will be based on the 18 regions in line with the 1991 administrative boundaries. For the Lower House, the members will be elected based on the 92 districts existing in 1991.

Electoral option

Prior to Sunday’s signing of the agreement witnessed by the international community, Puntland had stuck with the district based option for the Lower House and regions based option for the Upper House. It goes therefore that should one person one vote be achieved then Puntland will have a deferred dream realised.

The two parties agreed the 4.5 clan based system will cease to exist after the 2016 polls.

It is worth noting the agreement between Puntland and the Federal government does not necessarily tie in the other federal member states thus a dissent from the other regions could be in the offing.

Regarding the upcoming polls (July for Upper House and August for the Lower House) the two parties agreed that each seat for the Lower House will be contested by a maximum of five candidates, one of which shall be a female candidate from the specific clan grouping. A minimum of two candidates shall contest for each Upper House seat, the agreement reads.

Safe zone

Both Puntland and the Federal Government have also agreed that the elections of the Federal Parliament members and the president shall be conducted in a safe and neutral zone agreed upon by the Federal Government and Federal Member States.

Regarding the capital city of Somalia, both parties ‘agreed to complete and reach agreement on the clarification of the capital of Somalia and its status’ noting it should have a national character and politically inclusive.

National commissions which were formed without consultation and subsequent policies and regulations are devoid, Puntland indicated. In effect therefore, both parties agreed to review the nominating process of the commissions and regulations to ensure compliance with the Provisional Federal Constitution.

It has also emerged that Puntland sought to be given a share in the selection of senior and mid level commanders of the Armed Forces, Director Generals, Chief Executives of National and Independent agencies and diplomatic corps among others. The headquarters of the various constitutions bodies shall be distributed throughout the country in order ‘to devolve the locations, responsibilities and services to member states,’ the two agreed.

Other demands which were assented to by the Federal Government include a share of international aid, Federal support on all developments projects and Puntland’s right to enter into international development agreements and benefit from its natural resources.