Protests erupted in Qardho on Monday (January 7th) one day before the Puntland administration marked President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole's fourth year in office, UN-funded Radio Bar-Kulan reported.

Qardho residents took to the streets to protest the alleged extension of Farole's term, saying he was elected for four years, not five, and demanding that elections be held immediately to replace him. Farole has argued that he was elected to lead the regional administration for five years and his term is yet to expire.

No violence has been reported in relation to the protests. Anti-riot police were also deployed to the coastal city of Bosaso on Monday in anticipation of further unrest.

Farole is expected to highlight his administration's accomplishments over the past four years and announce its plans for 2013.

Also on Monday, Puntland's legislature approved a $49 million budget for 2013, a $10.6 million increase from last year's budget.