PRESS RELEASE :8 September 2012

Puntland Government warns strongly against continued alleged practices of manipulation, corruption,coercion, and intimidation during the last days of the Somali presidential election process.

Among the Somali Signatories, Puntland has played a primary role during the Roadmap to the End of Transition Process in Somalia, including hosting two National Constitutional Conferences in the state capital of Garowe and playing a leading role at Roadmap Signatories Meetings in Galkayo, Addis

Ababa, and Nairobi.

Reference is made to Puntland Government press statements of:

• 10 June 2012, where Puntland warned against spoilers derailing the peace process in Somalia;

• 4 July 2012, where Puntland supported formation of the emerging and remaining Federated States of Somalia, as per constitutional requirements;

• 26 August 2012, where Puntland warned against continued political interference in the selection process for Members of Federal Parliament; Puntland also notes the nomination of a Government Committee on Federal Affairs tasked with monitoring political developments and the election process in Somalia;

• 28 August 2012, where Puntland welcomed the transparent election of the new Speaker of Federal Parliament H.E. Mohamed Osman Jawari and encouraged the new Speaker to pursue a parliamentary agenda, in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia.

Having noted renewed alliance among known failed politicians, Puntland reiterates its position and calls upon Federal Parliamentarians for a fresh start by electing a capable and trustworthy statesman candidate for the position of Somali President, followed by the nomination of a likewise candidate for Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Therefore, Puntland warns strongly against electing politicians who have been tested and failed in the past to fulfill entrusted national tasks, in favor of personal gains and a record of inciting community hostilities and leading to further national fragmentation.

If such elements are elected through unfair practices, Puntland State reserves the right to decide its own destiny, in accordance with provisions of the Puntland Constitution.

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