Somali Times Photographer
Puntland regional state today, on May 25 2023, elections were held by one person vote to elect the local councils, which are being contested by political organizations in Puntland.
Up to thousands people are holding the elections, which this morning people lined up in long queues to vote.
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As expected, approximately 319,000 people (three hundred and 19 thousand people) will cast their votes, although the number of people who have registered is more than that.
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Elections have also been prepared for 395 polling stations in Puntland, where seven organizations are competing.
On the other hand, the elections in three districts namely Garowe, Godobjiran and Dangorayo have been suspended due to security reasons, as announced by the Puntland Elections Committee, and there is still tension in the Nugaal region.
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The security of the places where the elections are taking place has also been tightened and additional troops have been deployed, and a curfew has been imposed throughout Puntland.
This sensitive election was welcomed by the civil society of Puntland which issued a press release on the ongoing process.
The civil society has greatly praised the administration for this election, as it has taken a progressive step in the direction of democracy.
However, Puntland, which is the mother of the federation, is holding elections for the first time, which are highly watched by the Somali people.