International electoral observer missions who are in Somaliland to monitor the November 13 Presidential elections on Sunday separately met the President Muse Bihi and his challenger Dr Abdirahman Irro.
President, Muse Bihi Abdi, welcomed the observers at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa in the moring meeting before an evening meeting with Dr Irro at the Ambassador Hotel.
These representatives from various countries have arrived to monitor both the presidential and party elections scheduled for this week.
President Bihi expressed gratitude to the observers for their role in ensuring electoral transparency. He emphasized Somaliland’s long-standing commitment to democracy—practices that are rare in many regions of Africa and the world.
President Bihi highlighted the values of order, compromise, and patriotism that have guided Somaliland’s progress, making it a governance model for others. He encouraged the observers to experience Somaliland’s development and democratic processes firsthand and to share their observations with the international community, reinforcing Somaliland’s aspiration for international recognition as an independent state.
The observers, in turn, commended President Bihi and the people of Somaliland for their achievements and their dedication to transparent, democratic elections with peaceful transitions of power. With election day approaching, the involvement of international observers emphasizes the significance of this election on the global stage. Both Somaliland’s citizens and the international community look forward to an election that reflects Somaliland’s commitment to democratic principles and peaceful governance.
Later in the evening, the observers held a meeting with Waddani candidate Dr Irro who emphasized the importance of having a credible, fair, transparent and peace ful process.
Irro said all the candidates have committed to ensuring the elections are held in a peaceful environment maintaining that a credible process will be a victory to every Somaliland national.
Earlier Sunday morning, the observers had met with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to review preparations and discuss logistical details. The NEC underscored its commitment to a transparent electoral process, outlining measures aimed at ensuring a smooth, credible, and fair election.
The observers are tasked with overseeing multiple aspects of the election, from preparations and organization to the final vote count and results declaration.
Their presence underscores the increasing international interest in Somaliland’s democratic progress, which stands as a model of stability and effective governance in the region. NEC officials assured the observers that significant steps are being taken to uphold the election’s integrity, including heightened security protocols designed to ensure voters can safely participate. Local authorities have been instrumental in creating a secure environment across polling stations nationwide.
