Puntland president explains circumstances under which his government accepted 4.5

Puntland president Dr. Abdiweli Ali Gas has explained to Puntland public why and how his administration accepted the controversial 4.5 decision.

Addressing the public in a televised speech, the President said they softened their stance, given that there were only three options: “To break away from Somalia; to be left out of the expected national elections; or to go into a deal that is worthwhile for Puntland were three scenarios we faced. However, working with my capable team, we felt time was not ripe for the first two and we settled for the final one,” said the President.

Dr. Abdiweli explained Puntland’s main fear was to be represented by someone who doesn’t hail from the state and might not have the best interest of the Puntland at heart, as the 4.5 system  can allow for that.

He further explained Puntland cannot afford to descend into political bickering over the first two options as unity of the local people is not strong enough for engage in such major political disagreements.

“The agreement states that this will be the last time the controversial 4.5 system will be used. This has been witnessed and guaranteed by the international community,” he said.

Dr. Abdiweli said the agreement has uplifted the position of Puntland in the face of the World and will spearhead free and fair elections in the country. Pundits say Puntland has emerged the winner in the standoff as the agreement has more clauses that favor it than the federal government.