Somaliland says "ready for election" after long delays

HARGEISA, Somalia - Somalia's northern breakaway region of Somaliland has reiterated its commitment to hold a free and fair regional presidential election, over three years after it carried out successful universal suffrage elections.

Essa Kayd, the breakaway region's minister for Foreign Affairs, said elections shall give at least 1 million registered voters an opportunity to directly elect their president for the first time, a clear shift from the traditional indirect elections where elders made decisions.

According to the ministry, the Somaliland Electoral Commission (NEC) has taken measures to ensure the exercise is verifiable by putting in place a voter registration manual, candidate nominations, securing funding, and enabling international observer accreditation.

“The NEC has assured the credibility and transparency of this election process, underscoring Somaliland’s commitment to democratic principles,” stated the Ministry.

In the face of escalating regional tensions, Somaliland maintains a strong stance on peace and security, investing over a third of its budget in these areas. The Ministry raised concerns over recent hostile actions in Qorilugud, allegedly supported by Mogadishu, which threaten Somaliland’s stability, Addis Standard reports.

“We are concerned by reports that confirm the Mogadishu administration is collaborating with extremist groups to disrupt Somaliland’s electoral process and destabilize our regional standing. We do not want war, but as a sovereign nation, it is the right and duty of Somaliland to protect its citizens and territory against such threats,” the statement said.

“We do not seek conflict, but as a sovereign nation, we have to protect our people,” the Ministry urged, calling for international condemnation of actions that disrupt peace in the Horn of Africa.

Muse Bihi Abdi will be defending his seat under the Kulmiye party but he is facing tough opposition from Abdirahman Irro, the leader of the Waddani party. During the parliamentary elections, Waddani scooped 31 seats as opposed to Kulmiye's 30, with UCID coming third, raking in 22 seats.

The election came after the region signed an agreement over access to see with Ethiopia, triggering tensions in the Horn of Africa. Somalia maintains Ethiopia is infringing its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

But Bihi expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Somalia, provided there is recognition of Somaliland’s claimed independence. “If President Hassan recognizes that we are two separate governments and is interested in dialogue with us, that would be good,” he said.

Waddani’s senior leaders who were recently in Addis Abeba, revealed the party’s stance on the agreement should the party emerge victorious in the election. But the party said it will support it once details are made public.

“As always, Somaliland has the right to reach an agreement with any country. We have in the past signed bilateral agreements with other nations. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a case in point,” Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, the leader of Waddani and former Somaliland Foreign Minister, told Addis Standard.

The party also said “Ethiopia’s pursuit of port access is a legitimate interest and our Berbera port is precisely built for that purpose. It is meant to be a regional commercial hub. We welcome Ethiopia’s use of our port. Under our leadership these ties will grow further,” Mohamed further said.

GAROWE ONLINE