Somaliland’s opposition parties UCID and Wadani are planning a meeting to push the government to give a roadmap to the presidential elections that are due this year.
Wadani Presidential candidate Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi said that the opposition parties will convene a meeting to discuss the political situation in the country.
“The country is on a path of dictatorship and lawlessness, which could lead to unintended consequences for Somaliland,” said the Wadani party leader whose party enjoys a majority in parliament.
He added: “Opposition parties will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in the country.”
Faisal Ali Warabe, chairman of the UCID opposition party, also accused Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi of plans to extend his term in office, accusing the president of being behind the electoral commission dispute.
Somaliland’s presidential election is scheduled to take place in November, while the three national parties certificate expires in December 2022.
During his address to the joint house on May 9, President Bihi Abdi continued to keep the country guessing on the roadmap to the Presidential elections.
While the president hinted at the elections being held, he did not say when.
“Last year, I addressed the House of Representatives with only 83 days to go before the House of Representatives elections of Somaliland,” the president said.
“Former members of the House of Representatives are experienced men who have served the nation for 15 years or more. I said, “Your time at the House has ended, and we hope that you’ll work with us to make this transition go as smoothly as possible” They accepted, and they kept that promise.
“Today, thank God, we have had a series of elections that have won the admiration of the whole world. Somaliland has also once again had the opportunity to elect members of parliament for the next five years, mostly young men, although I regret that none of the women candidates in the House of Representatives have won.”
“Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, the new House of Representatives came as a result of the full cooperation and collaboration between the National Institutions, in order to realize the National aspirations of holding the bipartisan-elections of the House of Representatives and the Local Councils. It shows the good results that can come from good cooperation between the National Assemblies. It is a symbol of the beauty of our nation and the belief in the aspirations of our people.”
“As a government, we are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities in this year’s elections on time, and any challenges we face will be addressed in a legal manner and in consultation with the National Institutions,” the president said.
He added: “Politics is like a game of chess. Therefore, I advise political parties and organizations to cleanly put their hands in the dust.
“Elections do not require a whirlwind. Your insults do not lead to political victory. Threats are cowardly.
“Politics does not require false promises, uncertain political reflections and does not mean political victory.
“I hope that those who do not win will be able to dust off their fingers and accept their loss with grace,” he stated.
