By Mohamed Abdi

Puntland state has worked to develop its democracy over the past 25 years, despite difficulties in thoroughly implementing democratic practices.

In Puntland state, political party campaigns use both conventional and contemporary strategies. To spread their message and garner support, political candidates attend rallies, give speeches in front of the general public, and meet with local groups.

Social media platforms have been used more frequently in recent years for political campaigns. Political parties,

candidates, and electoral institutions all participate in a multi-step process to hold the council elections in Puntland state and the forthcoming 2025 presidential election (Interpeace, 2021).

The political parties nominate their candidates, who run for office and engage in public advocacy throughout the region. The Puntland state Electoral Commission monitors conformity to electoral laws and regulations and oversees the election process (Interpeace, 2021).

The commission supervises polling places, carries out voter education, and registers voters. Today, Puntland state enjoys a democratic environment that has since realized over 9 political parties peacefully engaging in the country’s council elections.

International organizations such as the African Union, European Union, the United Nations, and nations like the United States offer technical support, expertise, and assistance in areas like voter registration, monitoring, and guaranteeing a transparent and fair electoral process.

President Said Abdullahi Dani with some members of the International community.

A constitutional procedure is used in Puntland state to guide a peaceful transfer of power between presidents. The outgoing president transfers their duties and power to the newly elected president after the election.

President Said Abdullahi Dani with some members of the International Community

(2021) acknowledges that this peaceful transition contributes to political stability.

Coordination between the outgoing and incoming administrations is necessary during this transition phase to ensure a smooth transfer of government duties and the sharing of information and resources.

The promotion of a peaceful transition is supported and helped by international organizations and nations, including the United Nations, European Union, and the United States.

These initiatives support preserving stability, defending democratic ideals, and guaranteeing continuity of rule in Puntland state throughout the change in presidents.

By putting in place numerous steps to promote democratic institutions and practices in the area, Puntland state’s current president, Said Abdullahi Dani, has been actively promoting democracy. In governance, he has argued for greater accountability, inclusivity, and transparency, which has seen the push for a “one person, one vote” election (Interpeace, 2021). As the president has underlined, a peaceful power transfer can occur with free and fair elections.

Additionally, President Said has supported citizen participation in decision-making through open public meetings and participatory processes.

To strengthen democratic procedures in Puntland state, President Said has also asked for the cooperation and support of international organizations and nations, including the United Nations, European Union, and the United States. With these initiatives, the President Said hopes to strengthen democracy and promote a more liberal political climate in Puntland state.

Pursuing stability, growth, and regional autonomy has been a defining feature of Puntland state’s existence as a sub-autonomous state in northeastern Somalia.

Puntland state has worked to build governance, deliver essential services, and draw investment since its founding as a reaction to the turmoil of civil war. It has significantly aided the fight against terrorism, maintaining a modicum of peace and promoting regional security.

Puntland state has received assistance in several areas, from security to democracy, through relationships with international organizations and nations like the United Nations, European Union, and the United States. Puntland state’s journey highlights the struggle for autonomy and stability in a challenging environment, stressing the region’s complexity, aspirations, and resiliency.

The Writer is East Africa Political and Security Analyst.