Press Release–Mogadishu(Somalia)Mareeg.com-, 22 November 2013 – The UN Special Representative of the
Secretary-General, Nicholas Kay concluded today a three-day visit in the
Federal State of Puntland with stops in the cities of Garowe, Galkayo and
Bosasso ahead of the Puntland Parliamentary selection process in December
and the Presidential elections scheduled to take place 8 January 2014.
Mr. Kay met Puntland President and presidential candidate Abdirahman
Mohamud Farole, as well as several presidential candidates, traditional
leaders and members of the civil society including women’s groups.
“Overall I heard that the electoral process is on track. I was impressed 
by everyone’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, fair and transparent
elections. But one or two items still need to be addressed to achieve
results which will be credible for everyone” said SRSG Kay.
“Traditional leaders, candidates and civil society welcomed the
President’s intention to consult before nominating the members of the
vetting committee (known as the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
Committee). They underlined the importance of such consultation,” said
SRSG Kay, “Many I met, including the President, also shared my deep
concern about the low number of women in the last Parliament and stressed
the importance of having at least one female Member of Parliament per each
of the five original regions this time.”
SRSG Kay was briefed by General Said Dheere, who is responsible for
security for the elections. Candidates expressed their confidence in his
leadership and commitment to providing appropriate security arrangements
for each candidate. SRSG Kay called on all candidates to campaign
responsibly and make their own contribution to ensuring elections were
peaceful. He further noted that “it is important that as candidates move
to Garowe, security arrangements are satisfactory for everybody.”
Mr Kay highlighted the role of the media in reporting the campaign
responsibly and independently. “Every candidate should have the
opportunity to access the media, including State-owned media. Journalists
should continue to be free to cover the electoral process as they are
now,” SRSG Kay said.
“The United Nations will follow the election process closely and make
every effort to encourage and support a free, fair and peaceful process,”
he concluded.
