International observers have lauded Somaliland’s presidential election process, highlighting the peaceful conduct of voting across the self-declared state on November 13, 2024. A delegation of international partners, including ambassadors and envoys from multiple nations, 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.
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.
HORSEED MEDIA
