President Deni conveys international concern over Somalia's elections.

Sunday, November 29, 2020. The President of Puntland State of Somalia, Said AbdullahiDeni, today received at the State House in Garowe a delegation from the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and IGAD, led by the Deputy United Nations Special Representative to Somalia, RaisedonZenenga.

President Deni shared with the delegation Puntland's vision on the transition situation facing the country, and the possibility of free and fair elections without delay, according to a statement from the Puntland Presidency.

He first noted that the elections had come a long way, most recently with the September 17 agreement in Mogadishu, which set out guidelines for making it easier to hold elections on time.

"It was a good time spent, Puntland state Government shared its view and how to get free and fair elections to be credible,” said Deni.

He added, “Of course a lot of work has been done in recent times, the agreement reached on September 17 in Mogadishu by the Heads of the Federal Government and the Heads of the Member States of the Federal Government, approved by both Houses of Parliament and the latest procedures to make this selection easier.”

The meeting comes as heavy controversial issues related to the election of Somalia's year increases. This has fueled conflict while the union candidates directly opposed the government established the electoral committees and accused Farmajo of being violated the country’s law.

Deni expressed concern that the election process was not fully managed with only a few months left, and said he hoped for a timely and credible election, with the satisfaction of all political stakeholders.

"I hope that any concerns on some of the issues will be addressed and that Puntland will always play its part in the formation of a government in Somalia. We have shared our views on the solution and the leaders who visited us today. I hope the rest will be on time."

Puntland President, who appears to be reluctant to speak openly about the current difficult situation in the country, has spoken softly about the election dispute, while the former Jubbaland president has strongly warned the federal government.

However, there has been widespread controversy in recent times about the country's elections, especially the election commissions that have been boycotted by the opposition, while the government is still adamant, creating new tensions in Mogadishu.