UN
SRSG Keating visits Puntland capital to discuss electoral process preparations
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Michael Keating and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira paid a one-day visit to Garoowe to discuss electoral process preparations with key Puntland stakeholders.
They met with Puntland President Abdiweli Ali Gaas, women's groups, traditional leaders and Somali presidential candidates including former Puntland President Abdirahman Faroole. The Puntland president reaffirmed his commitment to adhere to the recently amended timetable for the electoral process.
"We agreed to stick to the election timeline and avoid further election delays,” said President Gaas. “Puntland is ready to strongly implement the agreed points in the last National Leadership Forum.”
SRSG Keating urged representatives of women's groups to continue their efforts to promote the 30 per cent quota of seats for women in both houses of Somalia's next federal parliament.
"Women’s contribution to politics in society makes politics vivid," said Mr. Keating. "You are in a battle, and the battle is yours.”
