The Somaliland Electoral Commission has urged citizens and stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming elections.
The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Muse Hassan Yusuf, speaking to the media after a meeting with members of the Standing Committee of the Somaliland House of Representatives, called on the public and the media to support the integrity of the elections.
“The elections have been scheduled, and we hope that all Somaliland communities, as well as the media, will support the enforcement of the laws governing us, and the commission should carry out its duties. Whatever challenges exist, we have mechanisms to address them,” said Chairman Yusuf.
The Standing Committee of the House of Representatives also stated that they are cooperating with the commission to ensure that the elections are conducted in a transparent manner, and they have expressed their confidence in the commission’s work, stating that it is competent.
The official dates for the simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections, announced recently, are scheduled to take place on November 13, 2024.
Somaliland’s electoral history provides additional context to its upcoming elections. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has undertaken several rounds of elections, showcasing its commitment to democratic governance despite its lack of international recognition. Past elections, such as those in 2001, 2005, and 2017, were generally considered free and fair by international observers, contributing to Somaliland’s reputation as a relatively stable and democratic entity in the region.
