Over 30 traditional elders from Puntland have endorsed the decision of the SSC-Khatumo, following the recent declaration by SSC-Khatumo elders that they will not participate in the selection process for the upcoming Puntland parliamentarians.
The meeting, held in Garowe on Friday and chaired by King Burhan King Muse, resulted in a decision that the upcoming parliament will consist of 49 members. After the elections, discussions will ensue on how to fill the seats vacated by SSC-Khatumo lawmakers.
The elders also urged the members from SSC-Khatumo, who are part of the committee for resolving disputes and approving members of parliament, to resign, emphasizing that SSC-Khatumo was not involved in the election process.
The traditional elders’ decision came after the incumbent regional President, Deni, said that the 17 lawmakers from the SSC region would not be excluded from the parliament. Concurrently, opposition candidates are accusing the president of attempting to handpick the 17 positions from SSC-Khatumo personally.
The election of the semi-autonomous northern Somali state of Puntland is scheduled for 8 January 2024.
