After women’s group have denounced Puntland government for not observing women quota in the original list of Upper House candidates, and mounting pressure from Somalia’s electoral body and UN for women representation in the process, Puntland government has announced on Sunday the amended list of Upper House candidates, Garowe Online reports.
The new list saw Puntland President nominating women candidates in accordance to the National Leadership Forum (NLF) agreement to commit to 30-percent quota for women in the ongoing electoral process.
On the other hand, Puntland President has axed Second Deputy Speaker of Federal Parliament Mahad Abdalla Awad and MP Yasin Abdi Saed from the new list.
However, an earlier report by GO has indicated that Puntland President is re-nominating the candidates and opted to allocate women candidates for seat representation of Mudug and Sool regions.
But close sources told GO that Puntland Vice President has opposed Puntland President decision to select women candidates for Sool region, a matter which flared up disagreement between Puntland leadership.
Puntland President, who is on an overseas trip to the UAE, has nominated the new candidates for the Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament amid ongoing differences with Vice President over the selection of candidates.
However, the ballot for candidates representing Puntland state in the Upper House chamber is expected to take place in Puntland Parliament this week, over 22 candidates will compete for the 11 seats quota.
Somalia’s Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation team (FIEIT) has previously extended the deadline for Upper House nomination till October 10, after failure of regional leaders to meet deadline in October 5.
Somalia is in race of time as the country is preparing to hold parliamentary and presidential elections that is scheduled to conclude in November 30.
The Puntland list of candidates for Parliament was short-listed on Sunday – but not finalized – as below:
1.Saynab Xaashi Biixi
Shukri Aadan Maxamed
Xaawo Caynab Cabdi.
2.Hodon Maxamuud Cismaan,
Basro Cumar Geele.
3. Cumar Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmaarke,
Aamino Aadan Cabdullaahi.
4. Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Maxamuud Farole
Cabdi Mahad Abshir Cismaan.
5. Siciido Xassan Cismaan.
Axmed Cabdala Tigaana,
Siciid Maxamuud Aadan,
Maxamed Maxamuud Cali Bile.
6. Cabdirisaaq Xassan Cismaan Juurile.
Hodon Ismaaciil Cilmi.
7. Maxamuud Axmed Maxamuud
Faadumo Siciid Maxamed.
8: Maxamed Siciid Xirsi (Moorgan).
Maxamuud Cali Siciid,
Bootaan Bare Samatar.
9: Cabdixakiin Axmed Xaashi.
Mahad Daahir Sheekh Nuur.
Cabdulqaadir Faarax Shaaciye.
10: Cali Ismaaciil Cabdi Giir.
Shukri Cabdullaahi Maxamuud.
Farxaan Cali Xusseen.
11. Cabdisalaan Xaaji Maxamuud Dheere.
Siciid Maxamed Cali.
Faarax Cawad Jaamac.
