The Somaliland Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that presidential and political party elections are scheduled for November 13, 2024.
Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Muse Hassan Yusuf, revealed that the three existing parties—Kulmiye, UCID, and Waddani—will compete in the presidential election. He added that ten political organizations will vie for positions in the political party elections alongside Kulmiye, UCID, and Waddani.
Earlier in 2024, the Parliament enacted a new electoral law authorizing simultaneous political party and presidential elections for the first time. The law also set the election date for November 13, 2024.
The NEC in statdement said: “In accordance with Election Law 91/2023, the NEC has diligently prepared and finalized the schedule for these significant elections. This announcement represents a crucial milestone in advancing democratic processes and upholding the principles of transparency and fairness within Somaliland’s electoral framework.”
“As mandated by Election Law 91/2023, the NEC has formally submitted the schedule for the combined elections to His Excellency Musa Bihi Abdi, President of the Somaliland Republic. It is now the responsibility of President Bihi Abdi to fulfill his constitutional duty by publishing the schedule in the Official Gazette, thereby formalizing the electoral process.”
The NEC said it is committed to ensuring that these combined elections are conducted in a manner that accurately reflects the will and aspirations of the Somaliland people. “This includes producing final voter registration and disseminating comprehensive information to candidates and voters, and implementing robust measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
As the scheduled election date approaches, the NEC called upon all stakeholders, including political parties, political associations, society organizations, media, and international community to actively participate in promoting civic engagement and ensuring a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment.
The upcoming election is anticipated to resolve a longstanding political dispute between the ruling party and the opposition. This dispute has previously led to clashes between opposition supporters and the police in several cities across Somaliland.
