Puntland parliament to debate January polls amid ongoing stalemate

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Puntland parliament is set to debate the preparations for the presidential elections in January as controversy builds up following claims of attempts by the outgoing President Abdullahi Deni to extend his stay in office.

The state assembly resumed for the 52-session on Thursday and is expected to deliberate on the election issue. The opposition has variously accused Deni, especially in the build-up to the district council elections early this month noting the outgoing President sought to manipulate the process in his favour.

Elections for the President are slated for January 8 when the term of the current president lapses after five years. Former Prime Minister and outspoken critic of the current administration Abdirashid Sharmarke has warned against attempts to term extension.

“Puntland appears to be poised between the threat of impasse and the promise of a genuine roadmap towards 8 January,” Sharmarke said in a tweet. “ The practice of blending election and extension has been a highly combustible mixture. Without dilemma, a conference to reach a consensus must be held for all stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, senators representing Puntland in the Federal Parliament travelled to Garowe Saturday where they met the speaker of the state parliament Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril and his Deputy Abdiaziz Abdullahi Osman. The two sides are expected to deliberate on the unfolding political stalemate.

The state parliament approved the agenda during Saturday’s sitting.