Opposition Leader Clinches Victory inSomaliland Presidential Election

In its political victory the Waddani party leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi emerged thewinner of the Somaliland presidential election with 51 percent of the total votes. Since 2022 dueto funding and other reasons the election was delayed 4 times The Kulmiye Party’s Muse BihiAbdi retained the presidency with approximately 30% vote share as the electoral commissionreported on Tuesday.”Somaliland” which proclaimed its secession from Somalia in 1991, has for existence despite itslack of international recognition has its own administration, money, and defense force. The areahas been able to foster good political stability unlike the other neighboring country such asSomalia where security remains a thorny issue, the region has been able to conduct frequentelections and peaceful transfer of power.One of the latest agreements that were made between Somaliland and Ethiopia providesEthiopia with the right to access the Indian Ocean in return for recognition. This formation hasbeen greatly opposed by Somalia, primarily accusing Ethiopia of attempting to overthrow itssovereign territory, more especially the Somaliland region.The election result dictates a clear victory of the opposition against the incumbent governmentof Somaliland. This shift occurs at a critical juncture when the region is grappling with diplomacyand relationship within and outside the region especially as regards to the Ethiopia agreement.This democratic exercise also enhances the stable image of Somaliland in the horn of Africa butwithout recognition of its independence. These delay factors compounded by regional tensiononly prove that the region is ready to support democracy and institutionalism principles asdemonstrated by this peaceful polling.