October 4th, 2023- PUNSAA commends the establishment of the local councils after the local government elections recently held in 30 districts where the people of Puntland elected their local representatives in a democratic election. As stipulated by article 44 of the Puntland Law on Regional Administration, the local councils should be seated after 30 days when the election results are ratified by the Higher Court of Puntland. The people of Puntland participated in the popular elections to affirm their commitment toward multiparty democracy enshrined in the founding charter of Puntland 25 years ago, and to elect their representatives. The local government elections began on October 25, 2021, the process went through different stages and faced several challenges, finally the local government elections were held in the majority of the districts on 25 May 2023, however there are still some districts in which voter registration was held where elections are not held. The democratization process of Puntland aims at maintaining social equality, inclusive participation, promoting good governance, fighting corruption and maintaining unity. In order to ensure this, the general principles, the constitution, laws and the rules of the state should be upheld by all stakeholders including government, political parties, political stakeholders and the various sections of the society. The civil society of Puntland wishes to emphasize that during the establishment of local councils and election of district mayors, that transparency is maintained, and the laws and guidelines be adhered to, and the institutions with the mandate be given priority in implementation. The civil society urges that all stakeholders avoid anything that can cause conflict and instability in the people of Puntland. PUNSAA is concerned about the process of seating the local council of Bosaso district on 3 October 2023, we urge that the disagreement be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and compromise and to avoid any actions that may cause insecurity, and which can hinder the will of the people in getting a representative local council. Finally, PUNSAA regrets the renewed conflict in Mudug region between the two brotherly communities, and calls on the Puntland and Galmudug states, the elders, and different sectors of society to participate in resolving the hostilities between the two communities in Mudug region.
