Deni Rules Out Third Term, Putting Puntland’s Constitutional Limits in Sharp Contrast with Mogadishu

Garowe (WDN) — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has delivered an unusually clear message on presidential tenure, declaring that he will not seek a third term and insisting that the next Puntland president must be chosen through a free and timely election.

Speaking in Galkayo on Thursday evening, Deni said the Puntland Constitution had allowed him to serve two terms, both of which he had won through elections, and that he would respect the constitutional limit.

“The Constitution allowed me to lead Puntland twice, and I was elected both times. I still have two years remaining. Whoever wants the presidency should come forward and compete in a free election held on time. Our party will have a candidate, and we will build that candidate,” Deni said.

The declaration effectively removes one of the most persistent questions surrounding Puntland’s political future: whether the incumbent president might seek to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.