Puntland Leader Slams Federal Government’s Election Plans as ‘Predetermined’ and ‘Undemocratic’

GAROWE – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has sharply criticised the Federal Government of Somalia’s push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system, arguing that an election whose outcome is predetermined cannot be considered democratic. In remarks that underscore the widening rift between Mogadishu and regional states, Deni questioned the legitimacy of a process that, he said, already has a known winner and ruling party.

“There is little value in conducting a direct election if the winner and the ruling party are already known,” Deni told reporters in Garowe. “That is not democracy.” He accused the federal government of rushing to implement the electoral model while neglecting to ensure political justice and a level playing field for all candidates and parties.

President Deni has previously accused Villa Somalia of attempting to “monopolize power” and push unilateral constitutional amendments without consensus from federal member states. The dispute extends to the 2026 election model, with Puntland and its allies in the Somali Future Council rejecting the “one-person-one-vote” framework, arguing that such a fundamental change requires broader agreement among all federal stakeholders.

A Government Preoccupied with Individuals, Not the People

Deni further alleged that the federal government is more concerned with advancing specific individuals than with empowering citizens to freely choose their leaders. He said the administration’s focus on shaping the outcome of the poll, rather than ensuring a fair process, undermines the credibility of the entire electoral transition.

“Somalia has not yet achieved genuine political justice, and we cannot be certain that citizens will be able to freely and fairly elect their leaders,” Deni said. He argued that the absence of a level playing field and the government’s determination to control the process rendered the proposed model a hollow exercise.

Puntland has previously warned that Somalia is experiencing a constitutional vacuum and has called for urgent national consultations to avert potential instability. The regional administration has stressed that federal institutions face constitutional ambiguity and cautioned that the nation may descend into political fragmentation.

‘No One Can Rule Somalia by Force’

The Puntland leader also issued a broader warning about the nature of political authority in Somalia, stating that no individual or faction can govern the country through coercion or military might. He insisted that Somalia can only be built through consultation, respect for the law, and the will of its people.

“No one can take Somalia by force or by the gun,” Deni declared. “The country can only be built through consultation, law, and the will of the people.” His remarks appeared to reference the federal government’s recent military deployments in various regions and the growing perception in Puntland that Mogadishu is seeking to centralise power at the expense of the federal system.

Deni has previously warned that the federal government would cease to be recognised if a broad political agreement was not reached, tying his remarks to the expiration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term. He has also instructed regional forces to maintain heightened readiness and prepare for potential military action by the federal government.

A Deepening Federal-State Rift

Deni’s latest comments come amid sustained tensions between Puntland and the federal government over the country’s political direction. The dispute has been fuelled by disagreement over constitutional amendments, the electoral model, and the distribution of power between Mogadishu and regional states.

Puntland has stated that it does not recognise President Mohamud as a legitimate leader, maintaining that his term concluded on May 15, 2026, and that federal institutions have lost their constitutional legitimacy. The regional administration has called for an urgent national consultative conference to establish an inclusive electoral process.

The Puntland government has announced that it will not allow troops associated with the Federal Government of Somalia to be stationed in or move through Puntland territory, reaffirming its authority over security issues within its jurisdiction. The decision followed a cabinet meeting chaired by President Deni.

Divergent Visions for Somalia’s Electoral Future

The federal government has insisted that the shift to a one-person, one-vote system is a permanent and irreversible reform. Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama announced that opposition parties have agreed in principle to the electoral system, describing the development as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing political dialogue. However, he noted that discussions continue over the specific mechanism for implementing the direct electoral system.

International partners have urged renewed dialogue between the Somali government and opposition groups, warning that broad political consensus is essential for the legitimacy and stability of any future election process. However, the opposition has maintained that it will not accept a “stolen election” and has warned against any attempt to force a contested electoral process.

Way Forward

The exchange between Deni and the federal government highlights the deep divisions that continue to shape Somalia’s political transition. As the country approaches what could be its most consequential electoral cycle in decades, the lack of consensus between Mogadishu and regional states like Puntland poses a significant challenge to the credibility and stability of the process. Whether the parties can bridge their differences or whether the country will face further fragmentation remains an open question.