Puntland political parties have failed to hold their national congresses after the Puntland administration cut off their financial support from the government.
Last year, the Puntland administration cut off the parties’ monthly funding of $10,000, while the government maintained their existence.
The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC) had given the parties three months’ notice to hold their national congresses to elect their top party leaders, including the chairman and other party committees.
HOL spoke to party officials who said the parties had told the electoral commission that if the funds were not restored, they would not be able to hold their national congresses.
The parties have previously accused President Deni of being disloyal to democracy in Puntland, saying that since his re-election in 2024, he has begun to backtrack on democratic progress.
Although lack of funding is the biggest challenge facing Puntland parties,
There are also conflicts within the parties, which have split into different factions.
Some parties have registered at the national level to receive financial support from the Federal Government.
