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Puntland administration has announced plans to abolish the secret ballot system in upcoming local council elections, a move aimed at enhancing electoral transparency and curbing corruption. The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC) confirmed that it is finalizing a revised local government law that will introduce a show-of-hands voting method, replacing the traditional secret ballot system.
PEC Chairman Ahmed Mahmoud Omar stated that the shift is designed to prevent vote-buying and ensure accountability among elected representatives. “By allowing the public to witness how each vote is cast, we eliminate the room for bribery and boost the integrity of the electoral process,” Omar said.
The decision has received strong support from several Puntland ministers and government officials, who argue that secret balloting has enabled corrupt practices and weakened public trust in democratic institutions. Critics of the secret ballot say it is “shameful” that elected officials cast votes behind closed doors, calling on the electoral commission to institutionalize the new voting system within Puntland’s electoral framework.
In addition to the change in voting method, the PEC has also reduced the number of local council members. In the most developed districts, councils will now comprise 15 members, with fewer in smaller districts. These reductions are part of broader reforms meant to correct flaws from previous elections, which often led to inter-council conflicts and governance breakdowns.
The move to scrap the secret ballot comes amid growing concerns over electoral fraud and political manipulation in Puntland. Previous elections have been marred by allegations of vote-buying, with candidates accused of using financial incentives to secure support from council members. The new system is expected to increase transparency and discourage corrupt practices by making voting decisions publicly visible.
However, the decision has also sparked debate among political analysts and opposition figures, some of whom argue that the show-of-hands method could expose voters to intimidation and undue influence. Critics warn that public voting may pressure council members to align with dominant political factions, potentially undermining independent decision-making.
Despite these concerns, Puntland’s government remains committed to implementing the reforms, emphasizing that the new system will strengthen democratic governance and restore public confidence in the electoral process. The PEC has assured citizens that additional measures will be introduced to safeguard voter rights and prevent coercion.
As Puntland prepares for its upcoming elections, the shift away from secret balloting marks a significant transformation in the region’s electoral landscape. Whether the new system will effectively curb corruption or introduce new challenges remains to be seen, but the decision underscores Puntland’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.