Somaliland to hold elections by Nov. 13 despite political challenges

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Somaliland to hold elections by Nov. 13 despite political challenges

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) - Somaliland's electoral commission has announced plans to hold elections by November 13th. The commission declared that the presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections are scheduled for this date.

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Somaliland's electoral commission has announced plans to hold elections by November 13th 2024.

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) - Somaliland's electoral commission has announced plans to hold elections by November 13th. The commission declared that the presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections are scheduled for this date.

In a statement, the electoral commission said the presidential race will feature three political parties – Kulmiye, UCID, and Waddani – while both parliamentary and local council elections will include these three parties along with ten political organizations.

Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has been praised for its strides toward building an inclusive multiparty democratic system since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.

This upcoming presidential election will mark the third instance of universal suffrage in Somaliland, with past elections witnessing peaceful transitions of power between parties.

However, the electoral process has faced delays since 2022, despite the expiration of the incumbent president's term and parliament.

This delay prompted protests, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces, which raised concerns about Somaliland's political stability.

Over the years, Somaliland had built a reputation for political compromise and stability through consensus building and locally led conflict mediation.

Recent events, including a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia on 1 January 2024 allowing Addis Ababa to access the Red Sea, and the conflict in Laascaanood in August 2023, have plunged Somaliland into crisis, prompting local calls to resolve the electoral stalemate.

Efforts by the international community have led to a breakthrough, bringing together opposition groups and incumbent President Muse Bihi to address outstanding electoral issues.