Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Puntland State is conducting local council elections today in the districts of Garowe, Dangoroyo, and Godobjiraan, with over 60,000 registered voters casting their ballots. Voters have been seen in long queues, participating peacefully and democratically.

This election was initially scheduled to occur before the Puntland State Presidential election in January but was delayed due to conflict at the time. Officials now report that the issues have been resolved.

Vice President of Puntland State, Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, cast his vote in Garowe, the administrative capital, commending the free and fair elections taking place. He also challenged the Federal Government of Somalia’s ability to hold a one-person, one-vote election, emphasizing the need for the federal government to first focus on liberating the country and restoring peace and stability.

“The Federal Government should liberate the country and restore peace and stability first before talking about one person, one vote elections. I don’t think the Federal Government of Somalia can hold a one-person, one-vote election. It seems the tent (venue of Somali Presidential Election) might be needed again,” Vice President Lugatoor told reporters in Garowe after casting his vote.

Minister of Interior of Puntland State, Juxa Farah, highlighted the significance of these local elections in demonstrating Puntland’s commitment to federalism. He stated that the success of these elections underscores the challenges faced by the Federal Government of Somalia, which continues to rely on indirect and clan-based electoral systems.

This election is a significant milestone for Puntland and poses a challenge to the Federal Government of Somalia, which claims to pursue one person, one vote elections but ends up with indirect and clan-based systems.

The local council elections in Puntland State are seen as a crucial step in the region’s political development and a potential model for broader electoral reforms across Somalia.