Ethiopia has commended Somaliland for holding peaceful and democratic presidential elections.
In a statement to Ethiopia foreign affairs ministry said the electoral process reflects maturity of Somaliland’s governance and democratic system.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia congratulates the people of Somaliland on the conduct of a peaceful and democratic election,” the statement said.
“The ministry also commends the National Electoral Commission of Somaliland for conducting a free and fair election. This process reflects maturity of Somaliland’s governance and democratic system,” added the statement.
Somaliland held its presidential elections on November 13 to elect its next president.
Ethiopia’s statement came a day after international observers had commended Somaliland for holding peaceful elections.
In their statement, the International observers praised Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting a peaceful and transparent presidential election, as polls closed across the breakaway region.
The group of diplomats, including envoys from the United States, United Kingdom, and multiple European countries, visited more than 30 polling sites in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley.
In a joint statement, they commended the NEC’s impartiality and transparent handling of voter registration and candidate nominations, adding that these measures helped foster public trust in Somaliland’s democratic process.
“Congratulations to Somalilanders for exercising their right to vote peacefully and responsibly,” the statement said. “It is the voters who ultimately decide their leadership, and we urge all political parties to accept the election results and respect the rule of law.”
The statement, signed by representatives from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to support Somaliland’s pursuit of democratic integrity.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized, has strived to establish democratic governance as it seeks global legitimacy.
