GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland’s political leadership has held consultations on proposed constitutional amendments intended to facilitate the implementation of democratic governance and prepare the region for local council and parliamentary elections based on a one-person, one-vote system.
The meeting took place at the presidential palace on Monday and was chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, bringing together senior government officials, parliamentary leaders and members of the Puntland Electoral Commission.
Discussions focused on proposed amendments to sections of Puntland’s constitution relating to the implementation of democratic elections and the region’s electoral framework.
Constitutional Amendments Under Discussion
During the meeting, participants were presented with findings from consultations conducted by the parliamentary committee responsible for constitutional amendments.
The consultations involved different segments of Puntland society and focused on constitutional provisions identified for possible revision as part of the region’s democratic transition.
The proposed changes are intended to address constitutional and institutional arrangements required to facilitate direct elections for local councils and the Puntland parliament.
Senior Political and Electoral Officials Attend
The meeting was attended by Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abdirisak Ahmed Said, First Deputy Speaker Mohamed Bari Shire and Second Deputy Speaker Mohamed Mahmoud Isse (Awoowe).
Members of the Puntland Electoral Commission and other government officials also participated in the discussions.
Their participation reflects the involvement of the region’s executive, legislative and electoral institutions in the ongoing constitutional consultation process.
Puntland Prepares for One-Person, One-Vote Elections
The consultations come as Puntland prepares for local council and parliamentary elections under a proposed direct voting system, in which citizens would elect their representatives through individual ballots.
The transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system has been an important issue in Puntland’s political and constitutional discussions.
The latest meeting forms part of broader consultations aimed at reviewing the constitutional framework and addressing provisions considered relevant to implementing the proposed electoral arrangements.
However, the announcement did not specify when the proposed constitutional amendments would be formally presented for approval or provide a definitive timetable for the elections.
