The congresswoman commended the people of Puntland and Somalia for their determination and commitment to democracy.

Rep. Omar shared her personal experience of visiting Qardo at the end of the previous year, where she witnessed the people’s hope for the future and their desire for a democratic process.

"I want to congratulate the people of Puntland and Somalia on their historic elections this week. When I was in Qardo at the end of last year, I was touched by people’s hope for the future and commitment to democracy. I urge all involved to ensure a peaceful and fair election process,” she said in her statement.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring a peaceful and fair election process for all parties involved.

In her statement, Rep. Omar also expressed her gratitude to the Puntland President for his dedication and leadership in making the elections a reality. She highlighted the significance of these elections in promoting democracy in Somalia and praised Puntland for taking the lead in this endeavor.

The elections in Puntland mark a significant step forward for Somalia as it strives to strengthen its democratic institutions and processes. Rep. Omar’s statement reinforces the importance of these elections and encourages all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy throughout the electoral process.

As the election unfolds, the eyes of the international community will be on Puntland, eagerly watching the progress and outcomes that will shape the future of the region and Somalia as a whole.

A remarkable total of 3,775 candidates are vying for seats as local councilors, reflecting the enthusiastic participation of Puntland’s population. The voter registration process successfully enrolled over 387,000 individuals, with women making up an impressive 49.7% of the registered voters. About seven registered political parties have participated in the Thursday election.