Somalia: Somaliland opposition parties warn Govt of election delay

HARGEISA, Somalia, March 4, 2015 (Garowe Online)-As general elections are drawing closer, Somaliland opposition parties formed an alliance, warning President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaayo)’s administration of election delay, Garowe Online reports.

The two main parties-Justice and welfare party and Wadani- on Wednesday pledged allegiance to each other during a well-organized ceremony in Somaliland capital of Hargeisa.

“Elections should be held the due date on June, 26, 2015 and the government doesn’t have a justification for delay in parliamentary and presidential elections,” the two parties said in statement after their unity against ruling Kulmiye party.

Opposition segments once again reiterated that they will not recognize sitting parliament and President Siilaanyo if elections are postponed.

“The government can’t enter into contracts since legitimate mandate is very likely to expire,” they warned.

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

Despite premature resignation by four minister-designates, President Siilaanyo reshuffled his cabinet on Saturday.

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