GAROWE (KAAB TV) – The Puntland administration is preparing to transition from secret ballots to open voting in the election of local council and parliamentary members.
This shift aims to reduce corruption and eliminate widespread allegations of bribery.
The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC), which is currently finalizing amendments to the Local Government Act, has endorsed the proposal for future elections to be conducted through a show of hands.
Ahmed Mohamud Omar, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, stated that this new voting method will help prevent bribery and enhance the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Several Puntland government ministers and officials have expressed full support for the initiative.
They criticized the current system, saying it is inappropriate for parliamentarians, who are elected by the people, to make decisions in secrecy.
These officials have urged the Electoral Commission to include the new voting mechanism in the official electoral procedures moving forward.
In a related reform, the number of local councilors has been significantly reduced. The most developed districts will now have a maximum of 15 council members, with less developed districts allotted even fewer.
These changes are part of broader reforms aimed at addressing past electoral irregularities that led to conflicts and undermined cooperation within local councils.