Puntland Leader Deni Says He Will Not Seek Third Term

GOOBJOOG NEWS | GAALKAYO: Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has said he will not seek a third term when his current mandate ends, opening the way for a new candidate to lead Somalia’s semi-autonomous northern region.

Speaking in the central Somali city of Galkayo, Deni said Puntland’s constitution limits a president to two terms and that he would respect the provision.

Deni, who was first elected in 2019, won a second term in January 2024 after securing 45 votes from Puntland’s 66-member parliament.

He said his Kaah political organisation would prepare a candidate to compete in the next presidential election, while other contenders should also be prepared to take part in a free and timely vote.

“Anyone who wants to become president should be ready for a free election that takes place on time,” Deni said, according to remarks reported from the event.

His announcement removes uncertainty over whether he would seek to extend his tenure and shifts attention towards the political succession within Puntland and the candidate Kaah will put forward.

Puntland’s constitution provides for a five-year presidential term and allows a president to be re-elected once, meaning a president can serve a maximum of two terms.

Deni’s decision comes against the backdrop of wider political tensions in Somalia over elections, constitutional arrangements and relations between the federal government and the country’s regional administrations.

The Puntland leader has previously been involved in national political contests, including a bid for Somalia’s federal presidency, and his political influence extends beyond Puntland.

His decision not to seek another regional term could therefore have implications beyond Puntland, particularly as political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of Somalia’s next electoral cycle.

For now, Deni said his focus would be on completing his current mandate and preparing Kaah’s candidate for the Puntland presidential contest.

The timing and detailed arrangements for the next Puntland election remain subject to the region’s electoral and political processes.