Garowe (Kaab TV) – The Puntland Minister of Interior, Abdi Hirsi Ali “Qarjab,” has strongly criticized the Somali federal government’s plan to implement a one-person, one-vote electoral system, stating that the country’s current security situation does not yet allow for such a process.
The minister said that many areas surrounding the Banadir region remain under the control of Al-Shabaab, pointing out that senior government officials themselves cannot freely travel to districts such as Afgoye and Bal’ad.
“Where exactly are they planning to hold one-person, one-vote elections? President Hassan Sheikh cannot even stand in Afgooye himself, nor can he travel to Bal’ad. Every area surrounding the Banadir region is controlled by Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda,” he added.
He added that Somalia is still in a fragile and unstable state, arguing that critical national issues such as resource sharing, the constitution, and the democratic framework require broad political consensus rather than a rushed transition to direct elections.
He also accused the federal government of spending state resources on political maneuvering and interference in regional administrations, instead of prioritizing security, reopening roads, and promoting reconciliation among Somali communities.
The minister urged federal leaders to prioritize the safety, unity, and overall welfare of the Somali people, warning that certain political actions could lead to further division and instability.
His remarks come at a time when the National Electoral Commission announced plans to extend the one-person, one-vote electoral process to Puntland regions, following the completion of elections in South West State.