Puntland’s opposition has strongly rejected the amendments made today in the Puntland parliament regarding changes to the regional state’s constitution, which they consider to be flawed.

Hassan Shire Abgaal, a prominent politician critical of President Said Deni’s one person one vote election plans, stated during a presser in Garowe said the move was unexpected.

He further emphasized that the Puntland opposition previously warned about President Deni’s attempt to manipulate the constitutional amendments for his own interests.

The regional traditional leaders were to mediate the stalemate but are thought to be facing what seems to be a difficult task.

“On January 8, there will be an election for Said Deni. If he does not want to participate, he can leave, but the rest of us from Puntland should come together and work to hold the election on time. We must protect the peace of Puntland and the capital” he said.