MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – international partners have welcomed plans of Puntland state to hold district council elections late this month in the state.
In a statement, the partners lauded the people of Puntland for their determination to deliver on their democratic aspirations and commitments.
“The partners acknowledge the efforts, notably by the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), to overcome significant challenges in preparing for this historic event of direct elections,” the statement reads in part.
The joint statement was issued African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Belgium, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, European Union (EU) Delegation, Finland, France, Germany and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Others are Ireland, Italy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Norway, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Russia, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations.
The partners encouraged all stakeholders to contribute to ensuring the elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
The statement urged the stakeholders to address any questions or disputes that may arise through dialogue and the legal framework.
According to the statement, the partners believed that Puntland’s experience with direct elections has the potential to inform and inspire the expansion of democracy across Somalia, at all levels of government.
The partners said they remained committed to supporting Somalia’s process of democratization.
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