Hiiraan Online
Tuesday September 17, 2019
Puntland President Said Deni has warned against any possible extension of the term of the current government noting such a move would undermine the country’s path to democratic governance.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Somali, Deni said the mandate of the current administration must come to and end according to the timelines set the constitution.“"Extension cannot be accepted because the country is undergoing political process intended to lead us to good governance,” Deni said.
Deni was responding to recent remarks by politicians that the term of the current administration including parliament should be extended for two years to allow the country prepare adequately for universal suffrage.
The mandate of the current administration lapses in February 2021 while that of Parliament comes to a close October next year.
The remarks of possible extension came up during public consultations by a parliamentary ad hoc committee on the Elections Bill.
The Committee has been seeking public views on the appropriate electoral model and other aspects of the law following demands by MPs to overhaul it before any debate.
The National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) had proposed a Closed List Proportional Representation system for the 2020 elections but debate has been ongoing as to whether the country should transition from the current 4.5 clan based system.