Somaliland Holds Elections, Reaffirming Self-Declared Independence

Somaliland voters came to the polls on Wednesday to elect a president as the breakaway Somali region seeks international recognition after three decades of de facto self-rule.

With more than 2,000 polling places almost 1 million voters are anticipated to cast ballots on Wednesday with some 28 international observers spread across the country.. Voters were seen in line to cast their votes, according to local media. And many expressed a desire for more jobs and a healthier economy among other local objectives.

After seven years in power, President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party is running for a second term. During that time, he has worked to secure international recognition for Somaliland.

“We pray to Allah to make the election take place democratically and peacefully and as usual a peaceful transfer of power in peace,” Bihi told reporters after casting his vote.

Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party supports a government of national unity whereas Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party ran on a program of social cohesion and democratic reforms.

Despite not having international recognition, Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991 as the country fell into chaos. It has maintained its own government, currency and security systems. In sharp contrast to Somalia’s continuous insecurity problems, the region has established a stable political climate over time.

When the administration announced a postponement of the 2022 presidential election, it highlighted the region’s economic difficulties as one of the reasons.

Somalia claims Ethiopia has violated its territorial integrity, and is politically tense over Somaliland’s recent agreement with neighbouring Ethiopia which grants them access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for recognition.

The fourth presidential election in Somaliland will take place this year. Concerns regarding the stability and consistency of the nation’s voting process were raised by the postponed presidential elections.