Kulmiye party penalized for violating electoral code of conduct

Ruling Kulmiye party has been found guilty of electoral malpractices by the Somaliland electoral ethics and dispute resolution committee.

The committee identified multiple instances where the Kulmiye party and its supporters committed serious and unlawful errors that contravene the country’s established laws. Some of the cited misconducts

These include starting campaign preparations two hours before the allowed timeframe and using main roads and Hargeisa’s Khayriyah Square, a public space in the capital, for nighttime preparations and rallies.

The committee also accused the party of Violating Article 9(1) of The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Associations Regulation (Law No. 02/2024) by the Presidential Candidate of Kulmiye and its chairperson.

As a result to these violations, the Ethics Body imposed strict penalties on the Kulmiye party. Kulmiye has been prohibited from conducting nighttime campaign preparations during their next day on November 7th. Additionally, the Director General of the Presidency, Mohamed Ali Bile, has been fined 20 million Somaliland Shillings for breaching laws prohibiting civil servants from engaging in political activities.

The Committee is cracking down on misconduct in the ongoing election campaigns for the upcoming November 13th Presidential and Political Parties and Associations Elections. The committee has issued bold warnings and fines against the ruling Kulmiye party and specific government figures for violating election rules and regulations.

The Ethics Body further stressed the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations governing election campaigns.

This is not the first time the ruling party and government officials have faced fines for misconduct. On October 27th, the Ethics Body also issued fines against several government and local council members for violating established laws and regulations regarding but not limited to inciting hatred and divisive rhetoric during campaigns. The Minister for Sports and Youth was fined 10 million Somaliland Shillings, the Secretary General of Kulmiye Party was fined 5 million Somaliland Shillings, Kulmiye’s Campaign Manager in Marodijeh Region was fined 5 million Somaliland Shillings, and a local councilor of Hargeisa city administration was fined 5 million Somaliland Shillings.

Some of the reported misconducts are included using guns and other deadly weapons during political rallies. Some Kulmiye supporters publicly brandished firearms, firing live ammunition in some of Hargeisa neighborhoods on the night of October 27th. The Chairperson of Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) publicly denounced these acts and instructed the Chief Commissioner of Somaliland’s National Police to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

The National Intelligence Agency is also conducting probes against those armed Kulmiye supporters who allegedly intimidated people with pistols and guns.

The Ethics Body also warned the Waddani party, the main opposition party, for ignoring preparation timeframes and ruled that they will not be allowed to campaign at night to prepare for their next day on November 6th.

Furthermore, the Ethics Body reiterated that there will be no campaigning in El Afweyn, Sanaag, due to security concerns. Both Kulmiye and Waddani national parties, as well as the Kaah political association, were warned against violating this decree issued by the NEC and urged to refrain from campaigning in El Afweyn.