Somalia: Government Committed to Peaceful Democratic Elections in Puntland
PRESS RELEASE
29 June 2013
Puntland Government welcomes and encourages the kick-off of political campaigns and public rallies by the four Registered Political Associations of Puntland State.
The Government encourages peaceful public rallies organized by the different Registered Political Associations in major urban centers of Puntland that commenced on June 27, as the Registered Political Associations compete for over 700 seats across Puntland in the State’s first-ever District Council Elections, scheduled for July 15.
The Government reiterates its commitment to nominate four new Judges of the Puntland Constitutional Court, as the Constitutional Court Law has been passed, the four new Judges will be nominated in wide consultation with Puntland civil society, and the Constitutional Court will be established prior to the upcoming District Council Elections.
The Government reaffirms its strong commitment to rule of law and orderly elections, and calls upon the law-abiding citizens of Puntland to demonstrate to Somalia and to the world the peace- loving nature of the Puntland people, by attending peaceful public rallies and voting in District Council Elections peacefully next month.
Additionally, the Government encourages the independent media in Puntland to promote peaceful exercise of democratic practice and encourages the different Registered Political Associations to use government-run Puntland State Radio for public outreach.
Puntland Government appreciates the international partners’ continued commitment and assistance to the democratization process and elections in Puntland, as noted during Puntland President’s meeting with representatives of international donors in Nairobi on June 29.
Currently, a Puntland delegation led by Parliament Speaker H.E. Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi is visiting Mogadishu for the closing session of Lower House of Somali Federal Parliament, and to discuss with Federal Parliament outstanding national issues, including the Provisional Federal Constitution and the implementation of federal system in Somalia.
Finally, Puntland Government calls upon all sides in Kismayo to immediately stop the violence and to engage in peaceful dialogue regarding the future of Jubaland State of Somalia.
