The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) is urging all National Political Parties and Associations to fully adhere to electoral laws, codes of conduct, and planned schedules.
NEC said it is imperative that all parties and associations demonstrate unwavering commitment to these regulations during the election campaign period.
As per the directive issued by Somaliland’s Electoral Ethics and Dispute Resolution Committee, national political parties and associations will have to strictly abide by electoral laws, codes of conduct, and planned schedules throughout the campaign period.
The directive indicated that is essential that current national parties, political associations, and the general public refrain from engaging in any activities that contravene the laws of the land, cultural norms, and religious values.
NEC emphasized the enforcement of previous decrees, including those that prohibit the use of public vehicles, assets, national forces and police, and civil servants for political or campaign purposes.
Additionally, the NEC is cautioning against the promotion of clan rhetoric, hatred, and divisive language.
The NEC has already distributed the electoral schedule and allocated campaign time to each political party and association for the 21-day campaign period.
Today’s decree reinforces the importance of adhering to the established schedule and avoiding any actions that could disrupt the campaign process, such as vandalism of billboards and signs belonging to political parties and associations.
It is noteworthy that Somaliland’s ruling party and some of its misinformed supporters are solely responsible for the aforementioned democratic sabotage, such as destructively targeting the signboards belonging to the opposition parties and associations, chiefly those of Waddani as happened in the nation’s capital.
This was confirmed by the incumbent President himself during the commemoration of the national police service on October 20th.
The same is also reported to have happened in the nation’s second largest city, Burao, a stronghold of the opposition, where some of Kulmiye’s supporters were filmed while engaging in the unethical and undemocratic act of destroying and cutting down some of the main opposition party’s billboards.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that Waddani’s senior leaders have called for de-escalating and urged their supporters not to respond with the same ill-mannered approach.
It is imperative that all parties and associations involved in the electoral process uphold the principles of democracy and fair play to ensure a free and fair election.
Any attempts to disrupt the campaign process will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate action by the NEC, it’s reported.
Furthermore, the decree specifies the timeframe for electoral campaigns for each political party and association, which is from 6:00am to 6:00pm in accordance with the law.
In conclusion, all political parties, associations, and their supporters are urged to comply with the rules and directives set forth by the NEC of Somaliland. It is crucial that everyone involved in the electoral process upholds the integrity and fairness of the elections.
The sticking points the National Electoral Commission has outlined a strict campaign schedule to be observed by all political parties:
- Campaign Preparation: Parties may prepare for campaigns between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM the night before the campaign begins. However, using loudspeakers outside the offices is not permitted during these hours.
- Campaign Hours: Campaigning is only allowed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. Any party violating this schedule will face penalties.
- Designated Campaign Days: Parties are expected to observe the designated campaign days as specified by the Election Commission. Any deviation from this will result in disciplinary actions.
- Criminal Activity: Acts of vandalism, such as defacing party offices or tearing down campaign posters, will be met with strict legal consequences. The security forces have been authorized to handle any such incidents.
- Prohibition on Mixing Party Symbols: The use of mixed symbols, offices, or vehicles among different political parties is strictly forbidden to avoid confusion and maintain electoral integrity.