International observers have lauded Somaliland’s presidential election process, highlighting the peaceful conduct of voting across the self-declared state on November 13, 2024 as vote counting got underway.
The international partners met candidates of the main parties urging them and their supporters to accept the results when they are finally announced.
The delegation, including ambassadors and envoys from multiple nations had conducted extensive monitoring efforts across major cities including Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley.
The monitoring mission, which visited over 30 polling stations, particularly commended the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for its transparent management of both voter registration and candidate nomination processes. The NEC’s commitment to maintaining independence and impartiality was specifically noted as crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
“Somaliland’s democracy, like all democracies, relies on giving politicians and parties the chance to take part in free and fair elections,” stated the joint declaration from the international partners. “It is the voters who ultimately will decide who will govern Somaliland.”
In meetings with all three competing political parties, the international delegation emphasized the importance of accepting the election results and maintaining peace throughout the process. The partners stressed that respecting the rule of law would be essential to honoring the will of the voters.
The international partners, comprising ten nations including the United States, United Kingdom, and several European countries, expressed their readiness to continue supporting Somaliland’s democratic development. They specifically praised Somaliland’s citizens for exercising their voting rights in a peaceful and responsible manner.
The statement was jointly signed by representatives from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States, demonstrating broad international interest in Somaliland’s democratic process.
Vote counting started at the close of voting on Wednesday with three presidential candidates seeking the top seat.
Just over 1.2 million registered voters were expected to cast their votes to elect their next president and also pick their political organizations of their favour.
The exercise is the fourth since the region broke away from Somalia three decades ago. The election commission said voting day had passed without incident.
Incumbent Muse Bihi is seeking a second term on a Kulmiye party. He is challenged by opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the smaller UCID party.
NEC Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf said they would announce the result of the election by November 21.
General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi, head of Somaliland Police Force, said throughout Somaliland the election was peaceful.
“Thanks to Allah, the election took place democratically and peacefully. No incident was reported,” said Saqadhi.
Despite living autonomously for over thirty years, no single country recognises Somaliland’s independence.
This election marks another significant step in Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to build democratic institutions, despite its unrecognized status in the international community. The territory, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
