Tuesday July 23, 2024
A resident of Garowe proudly displays his ID card while standing in line to cast his vote in the local government elections on Tuesday morning. (Credit: BBC Somali Service)
Garowe (HOL) — Residents of Garoowe, Godob Jiiraan, and Dangoroyo in Puntland's Nugaal region are lining up to vote in local government elections on Tuesday morning to choose their council members. These elections were initially scheduled last year - along with the 37 districts in Puntland - but were postponed due to significant security concerns and political disputes, including accusations of election materials being seized and destroyed.
The postponement was further complicated by political instability. Allegations against President Said Abdullahi Deni included accusations of governance and security failures. Opposition groups claimed that Deni's political maneuvers, such as diverting funds for political campaigns and amending the constitution unlawfully, contributed to community divisions and persistent conflicts.
The political situation appears to have improved since President Deni's re-election.
Tuesday will be the first time people in these districts vote in a one-person, one-vote election, marking a watershed moment in Puntland's democratic process.