Puntland Opposition Candidates Express Distrust in Election Committee

Garowe, Puntland – January 3, 2023; In a development ahead of the Puntland presidential election scheduled for January 8, opposition candidates have officially declared their loss of confidence in the Election Dispute Resolution and Vetting Committee. The announcement, made through a joint statement by 15 candidates, alleges collusion between the committee and President Deni to manipulate parliamentary seats.

The candidates, expressing concern over the approval of SSC-Khatumo MPs, claimed President Deni’s involvement in recruiting them from the market. The Election Dispute Resolution and Vetting Committee, they assert, has played a role in endorsing these appointments. Notably, 17 MPs from SSC-Khatumo recently withdrew, prompting the opposition to call for the remaining 49 MPs to proceed with electing a president on January 8.

Accusing the committee of complicity in undermining the electoral process, the opposition candidates warned that any repercussions arising from the loss of parliamentary seats would be squarely placed on both the committee and President Deni. They underscored President Deni’s failure to engage in a political agreement regarding the integration of the 17 SSC-Khatumo members, further escalating tensions in the lead-up to the crucial election.

Mustaqbal