Four political associations in Puntland declare district elections ‘undemocratic’

Four political associations in Puntland have criticised the conduct of the just concluded local government elections terming them undemocratic.

The four associations under the Puntland Political Forum umbrella raised several concerns regarding the district council elections in Qardho, Ufeyn and Eyl districts.

The associations are Justice and Truth, Horseed, Mustaqbal and Ifiye.

Without making specific references, the PPF Forum claimed there were widespread electoral malpractices including voter bribery, importation of voters from other districts and permitting underage citizens to vote.

The associations also claimed government vehicles, security forces, civil servants and public funds were used to advance the interests of certain associations.

They however refrained from mentioning the ruling KAAH association which is headed by state president Abdullahi Deni.

They also accused the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) of failing to stop corruption and hastely certifying the election results without meeting the political associations.

The ruling KAAH got majority of the seats at 35 followed by Mideeye with 25 seats while Justice and Truth got 10 votes. The remaining seven seats were shared between Horseed and Mustaqbal.