Puntland local gov’t polls ‘historic’, guide for nationwide elections-British ambassador Foster

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Successful completion of the upcoming local government elections in Puntland where residents will for the first time cast individual votes will be a pointer on how one person one vote elections in Somalia can be implemented, British ambassador to Somalia Kate Foster has said.

Speaking during her maiden visit to Puntland, ambassador Foster termed the upcoming vote as of ‘historic significance.’

“The upcoming local elections in Puntland are of historic significance. If completed successfully, they will demonstrate that One Person One Vote elections are possible in Somalia,” Foster said.

She noted that the pace of voter registration was indicative of the people’s wish to directly elect their leaders and political associations. Ambassador Foster also hailed efforts by Puntland government and the state Transitional Puntland Election Commission (TPEC) in delivering a universal vote in the easterly state.

People in Ufeyn (Bari region), Eyl (Nugal region) and Qardho (Bari region) will be heading to the ballot next month in a pilot electoral exercise which will now pave wade for state-wide one person one vote for local government elections next year.

On the Lower House elections at the federal level, ambassador Foster called on stakeholders to ensure a peaceful environment for the exercise. “As we head into the Lower House elections, stakeholders have a responsibility and an opportunity to ensure there is a conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful elections. Strong civil society engagement in the process is crucial.”

Close to 30,000 delegates are expected to cast the vote from next month for a new set of the 275 members of the Lower House.