Taiwan’s donation of iris biometric devices to Somaliland in 2021 will once again play a crucial role in the upcoming elections scheduled for November 13, 2024. This was confirmed by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Allen Lou, who also announced fresh support of $2 million from Taiwan to assist Somaliland’s preparation for the presidential and national party elections.
The ambassador noted that the biometric equipment, originally provided to assist with parliamentary and local government elections in 2021, will now be deployed in six major cities across Somaliland for the general elections. The devices, part of a $2 million donation from Taiwan four years ago, include 2,500 iris biometric voter verification systems. These devices were developed by Iris ID in collaboration with South African integrator Neametrics Africa, ensuring secure and efficient voter identification.
This latest round of funding from Taiwan underscores the strong ties between the two nations. The Taiwanese diplomat emphasized that the donation is aimed at promoting “transparency, accountability, fairness, and trust” in Somaliland’s democratic processes. He further praised Somaliland’s commitment to democratic principles, calling the nation a “beacon of democracy in East Africa.”
Somaliland, though functioning as an independent state since it declared independence from Somalia in 1999, has yet to gain formal recognition from the United Nations. However, it continues to assert its sovereignty through democratic governance and regular, credible elections. Taiwan and Somaliland share a unique bond, both operating as self-governing entities with limited international recognition, and they have collaborated on various political and economic initiatives over the years.
As preparations for the November elections intensify, Somaliland’s National Election Commission (NEC) has field-tested the biometric devices and is actively engaging citizens in electoral participation. By using these advanced technologies, Somaliland aims to ensure a transparent and credible election process, further demonstrating its democratic maturity.
Meanwhile, the government of Somaliland has received $2m from the Taiwanese government as funds in support of the forthcoming elections on November 13th to be held in the country.
On hand to receive the cheque from the ambassador of Taiwan was the Minister of Finance Dr. Saad Ali Shire.
The event was attended by the chairman of Somaliland National Electoral Commission Musa Hassan Yusuf and members of the commission including officials of NEC secretariat.
The Taiwan ambassador explained the intentions of the funds as being meant to boost the NEC elections kitty in support of the presidential and political party elections that’s six weeks away.
Both the minister and the NEC chief thanked the government of Taiwan for the financial support they provided in the previous parliamentary and civic elections in 2021 and the new support they are now providing for the coming one.
Dr. Sa’ad noted the good relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan that he observed share the same ideals on the imperativeness of democratic ideals.
On his part the NEC chief pledged that the money would be put in good use as per the allocations intended for the purposes of the electioneering processes.
