Somaliland president says today's vote is a vindication of growing democracy and peace.
0
Monday May 31, 2021 - 12:51:50 in Latest News by Staff Reporter
- Visits: 872
-
- Share
HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) - Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi has urged the voters to turn in large numbers as the region's parliamentary and local elections commenced in 23 districts across the region in northern Somalia.
After casting his vote at a polling station in Somaliland Labour House, Bihi told reporters that today’s election could lead the region gain international recognition as an independent state.
Queues build up in various areas of the breakaway territory amid enthusiasm as international media turned focus to Somaliland. The election will be a first for many Somalilanders.
"I cannot wait to cast my vote," says 15-year-old Yasmin Abdi who spoke to BBC. "I feel like a proper grown-up now, almost like I own part of my country."
The leader urged the public to vote peace saying the world was watching closely the exercise.
"Vote peacefully; these are two important electoral processes, all eyes are on us, please execute your rights in good manner," Bihi said while addressing journalists at Labour House alongside Irro.
Waddani party leader Abdirahman Irro said the elections were a victory for Somaliland.
"I am pleased today that I voted for the two seperate candidates I have chosen from the candidates vying for house of representatives and councilor," Irro said.
According to the electoral commission, SLNEC, 246 candidates are vying for a seat in the 82 member House of Representatives while 552 candidates will be contesting in the local government elections spread in 23 districts.
Meanwhile, observers from the region and beyond have trooped to the break-away region.
Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia has declared its secession from the rest of Somalia in 1990s.
The region has been experiencing relative peace for the last three decades but failed to secure international recognition.
- Popular
- Rated
- Commented
04/11/2021 - 11:05:02
12/03/2023 - 22:58:08
22/01/2023 - 11:24:06
13/12/2015 - 09:27:08
01/03/2021 - 09:00:37
Opinions
30/04/2024 - 01:33:18
17/04/2024 - 22:46:39
08/03/2024 - 02:04:01
Politics
06/05/2024 - 02:52:53
02/05/2024 - 23:52:49
30/04/2024 - 01:33:18
Terror Watch
07/05/2024 - 15:08:55
05/05/2024 - 01:52:29
Press Releases
30/04/2024 - 22:03:16
18/04/2024 - 21:29:03
Somaliland president says today's vote is a vindication of growing democracy and peace.
HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) - Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi has urged the voters to turn in large numbers as the region's parliamentary and local elections commenced in 23 districts across the region in northern Somalia.