Friday 17 april 2026 {HMC} Puntland’s Cabinet has urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to pursue a comprehensive political agreement on elections, warning that prolonged deadlock could further destabilize the country.
The call followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, which reviewed the national political situation after the federal parliament’s four-year term officially expired on April 14, 2026.
“The Council calls on the President to use the remaining period to reach a comprehensive agreement to hold a mutually acceptable election in the country,” the Cabinet said in a statement.
Puntland officials expressed concern over Somalia’s political direction, cautioning that failure to agree on an inclusive electoral framework could trigger renewed tensions and undermine stability within the federal system.
The regional administration reiterated its support for an election model based on broad consensus and national unity.
The appeal comes amid mounting political strain following the expiration of parliament’s mandate and controversy surrounding constitutional amendments passed before the term ended. The amendments extend the mandates of federal institutions, including the presidency, from four years to five. The federal government has defended the changes as necessary to facilitate a transition to one-person, one-vote elections.
President Mohamud has insisted that universal suffrage remains the government’s objective and has called on opposition groups to participate in the process.
However, opposition leaders and several federal member states, including Puntland, argue that security constraints, limited preparation time and the absence of political consensus make nationwide direct elections impractical at this stage. They have instead advocated for a negotiated electoral agreement to avoid a constitutional and political crisis.
Source Hiiraan Online
