Somalia: Somaliland elections postponed for nine months

MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The anticipated general elections of breakaway Somaliland region in northwestern Somalia have been postponed on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Somaliland Electoral Commission spokesman Saed Ali Musse told a news conference in the capital, Hargeisa that election deadline has been extended by nine months-a move that drew quick support from the two opposition parties and ruling Kulmiye party.

He said the decision was made on account of the remaining time inadequacy and the untimely registration of voters.

Musse said, the registration process will be commenced in late July while speaking next to officials representing Wadani, Justice and social welfare and ruling Kulmiye parties.

On March 4, the two main opposition parties united against the ruling party, calling on the government to hold parliamentary and presidential elections at the due-date.

In mid-2014, opposition figures strongly contested the theme of election delay, threatening that interim government would come into being by year end.

 Despite premature resignation by four minister-designates, President Siilaanyo reshuffled his cabinet last week.

 Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia declared its independence from the rest of the country as de facto sovereign state but it has not been recognized internationally yet.

GAROWE ONLINE