HARGEISA, Somaliland – The Somaliland Electoral Commission (SEC) has announced the election schedule after months of tensions surrounding the postponement of the presidential vote. According to the SEC, the election period for political organizations will begin on December 28, 2023. The presidential election will follow in November 2024.
The election dates come after the legislative upper house extended current President Muse Bihi Abdi’s term by two years, sparking condemnation from opposition parties and deadly clashes in the contested Sool region. The international community has condemned the attacks on Somaliland that targeted civilians and social service areas. Opposition leaders accused Musse Bihi Abdi of subverting the democratic process and refusing to hold elections as scheduled.
The electoral commission stated the new dates were set after extensive consultations with political stakeholders in an effort to ease tensions.
Somaliland first declared independence in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized.
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