This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, security, and development trajectory of Puntland State of Somalia over a pivotal six-year period. It chronicles a critical juncture in the region’s history, focusing on the tenure of President Said Abdullahi ‘Deni’—specifically, his first term (2019–2023) and the early phase of his current second term. This era has been defined by a bold and ambitious project: the historic transition from a traditional clan-based power-sharing model, known as the beel system, to a modern, democratic one-person, one-vote (OPOV) electoral process.
For decades, the aspiration to move beyond clan-centric political selection has been a shared goal among the people and political elite of Puntland, widely seen as essential for achieving lasting stability, legitimate governance, and equitable development. However, this vision remained elusive, with five successive administrations unable to overcome the formidable technical, security, and political hurdles inherent in such a profound systemic shift.
The sixth government under President Deni broke this pattern, making a concerted and strategic effort to turn this long-held aspiration into a tangible reality. This report details the administration’s ambitious—and ultimately successful—push to implement OPOV elections at the local level, a monumental achievement that marks a significant milestone not only for Puntland but for federal Somalia as a whole. This process, however, was not without significant challenges. The path to democratization was fraught with complex obstacles, including political resistance, security threats from armed opposition groups and logistical complexities.
The following pages will examine the key milestones and setbacks of this transformative period. We will analyze the implementation of the voter registration and election processes, assess the ensuing political tensions and security implications, and explore the broader impact on Puntland’s development trajectory. By doing so, this report aims to provide a balanced and evidence-based account of a defining chapter in Puntland’s ongoing quest for sustainable and democratic governance.