The Puntland opposition group has declared its non-recognition of the Puntland Independent Election Commission (PEC) after President Deni said that this commission would conduct a one-person, one-vote election in three months.
In a press release issued by the opposition on Saturday, they asserted that the election committee’s formation was carried out illegally, making everything it produces invalid. They have accused President Deni of attempting to remain in office through force and an unlawful extension of his term, which they view as threatening Puntland’s peace.
The opposition has called on the international community to refrain from supporting what they deem fraudulent and illegally extended proceedings. They have also directed a specific message to the government of the United Arab Emirates, which supports the Puntland navy. The opposition alleges that President Deni wants to manipulate the fate of the Puntland people.
Furthermore, the opposition has indicated that if President Deni proceeds with what they consider to be unlawful steps, they will form a committee to select the parliament and address election disputes.
President Deni reiterated his unwavering commitment to avoiding a term extension in his recent speech. He emphasized the feasibility of conducting elections in which parties compete for 66 parliamentary seats and electing the president and vice president in the remaining three months of his administration.
