Somaliland’s House of Representatives unanimously approved the disputed electoral law on Sunday despite objections from several politicians.
The third deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Ali Hamud Jibril, emphasized the law’s effectiveness, stating that if the president does not enact it, the House will enforce it.
“If the president does not sign it, we will sign and make an official release,” said Ali Hamud.
Lawmaker Mohamed Abiib praised the law’s approval by both the Somaliland House of Representatives and the Somaliland Senate, describing it as a historic victory.
“The provision in the law requiring political organizations to obtain 20% of the votes in each region to become a recognized party was not newly created. It has existed since 2000 and was included in the 2002 and 2012 elections. What is new?” questioned MP Mohamed Abib.
Somaliland’s vice president, Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Saylici, criticized the new law early, particularly rejecting the clause stating that organizations must obtain 20% of the total votes in each region. Instead, they advocate for organizations to win based on a 50+1 majority.
Saylici, criticized the electoral law approved by the Senate house on Saturday, stating that it is detrimental to the unity of the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The Vice President expressed concern that the Senate approved a law serving personal interests rather than the public interest of Somaliland. He stated, “This approved law deprives a part of the community of their rights, and lawmakers were not allowed to review the law. I emphasize that the law should not divide the nation again.”
Mr. Saylici and other officials from the Awdal region have rejected the provision requiring organizations to garner 20% of the votes in each region to become a full party. Instead, they advocate for organizations to win based on a 50+1 majority.
Both the government of Somaliland and the UCID party also support the requirement for political organizations to win based on a 50+1 majority. Conversely, the Wadani party and the Kaah organization are advocating for the provision stating that organizations should obtain 20% of the total votes in each region.