Mogadishu (SD) – The Minister of Planning of the Federal Government of Somalia, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, has said that Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is a candidate for the presidency, urging him to step aside from the election process and join the other candidates.

Minister Jamal, a close friend of President Farmajo, has been embroiled in a long-running political dispute with President Deni.

Jamal that President Deni had delayed announcing his candidacy, in order to further influence and control the upcoming federal elections in Puntland.

The minister alleged that clan elders, representatives and parliamentary candidates have expressed concern about the extent of the fraud, intimidation and interference in the election by President Deni.

Minister Jamaal is a member of the Parliament and is seeking re-election, amid concerns that President Deni may be hampering his re-election.

The President of Puntland has not yet responded to allegations of electoral interference made by Minister Jamaal Mohamed Hassan.