Gender disparity persists as 66 newly sworn-in Puntland lawmakers include just one woman

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Gender disparity persists as 66 newly sworn-in Puntland lawmakers include just one woman

GAROWE - Reporting by Kaab TV -----

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Members of the new Puntland MPs sworn-in on Monday in Garowe. Only one out of 66 newly sworn-in MPs is a woman.

GAROWE - Reporting by Kaab TV -----

In the capital city of Garowe, a parliamentary selection committee in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland officially swore in 66 newly elected members of the regional parliament on Monday.

The selection process, overseen by clan elders, resulted in the representation of Bari, Mudug, Nugaal, Sool, and Cayn regions.

Despite this significant step, concerns arise as only one out of the 66 lawmakers is a woman, marking the lowest decline in women’s political representation in the region.

The only woman lawmaker is Muno Ahmed Abdale who represents the Mudug region.

Numerous women candidates reported that clan elders declined to select them, showing a preference for male candidates.

Unlike the initially proposed approach earlier in the year, the Puntland 2024 parliamentary selections are now authorized by clan elders, who have a historical tendency to exclude women from political representation.

The initial plan for a one-person, one-vote system, offering increased opportunities for women and youth to participate and be elected, was abandoned in November due to armed violence and opposition from clan elders.

According to Yusuf Suudi Abdi, the secretary of the parliamentary selection committee, following the swearing-in ceremony, the newly appointed lawmakers proceeded to elect an interim chair on Monday.

Their upcoming agenda includes the election of the speaker of the parliament and the regional president for a term of five years.

As the region prepares for leadership transitions, outgoing President Said Abdullahi Deni and numerous other politicians, including former ministers, have thrown their hats into the ring, vying for the presidency.

Puntland, known for its stability within Somalia’s federal structure, has experienced strained relations with Mogadishu, particularly since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed office in May 2022.

(Original Story: Here)