The International Partners have closely followed the ongoing electoral process in Somaliland, leading to the election of Somaliland’s President and political parties. A delegation of International Partners, led by Ambassadors and Envoys from several missions, visited over 30 polling stations in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera and Gabiley on 13 November 2024, to reaffirm their support I for the democratic process.
The International Partners commend the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting a transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process, and for its ongoing efforts to maintain independence and impartiality, both essential for public confidence and 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. Itis the voters who ultimately will decide who will govern Somaliland.
The International Partners met with all three Political Parties, urging the Presidential Candidates and their supporters to accept the election results. They called on all parties to uphold peace and public order, emphasising that respecting the rule of law is essential to honouring the will of the voters.
We wish to congratulate Somalilanders for exercising their right to vote peacefully and responsibly on 13 November 2024. We stand ready to work alongside Somaliland to further strengthen democracy and accountability in the future.
This Statement was signed by the following partners: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Chairman of Dahabshiil Group of Companies, Haji Mohamed Said Duale, called on the community to vote peacefully and await the election results in peace. The Chairman also called on the presidential candidates to accept the election results.
Chairman Mohamed Said, who spoke to the community, said that the religious scholars and businessmen are calling for peace,
“We pray to God that the elections will be held peacefully and end peacefully. We call on the public to vote peacefully and await the results that the commission will announce in peace.”
The Chairman of Dahabshiil; called on the candidates who lost the election to accept and work with the winner.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commends #Somaliland‘s free and fair elections, highlighting them as a testament to its governance maturity and robust democratic system.
Statement MFA issued on Friday stated as follows;
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia congratulates the people of Somaliland on the conduct of a peaceful and democratic election.
the Ministry also commends the National Electoral Commission of Somaliland for conducting a free and fair election.
Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement added; “This process reflects the maturity of Somaliland’s governance and democratic system.
Ethiopia’s statement comes at a time International Community and International Observers issued similar statements praising the conduct of elections as a free and fair.
The Brenthurst Foundation, in its observation of Somaliland’s November 13, 2024, presidential and political organization elections, declared the process free, fair, and credible. The foundation’s detailed report, released on November 14, 2024, underscores Somaliland’s resilience in upholding democratic principles amid financial and logistical challenges.
Somaliland’s Democratic Legacy
Since its declaration of independence in 1991, Somaliland has consistently demonstrated its commitment to democratic governance. The 2024 elections marked the fourth presidential election by universal suffrage and a unique opportunity to recognize new political associations alongside established parties. This dual-format election showcased Somaliland’s inclusive and evolving political system.
Key Observations
The Brenthurst Foundation’s observer mission deployed 20 international observers across four major districts—Hargeisa, Borama, Burao, and Berbera—covering 635 polling stations, representing 24% of the total.
Their findings include:
Peaceful Conduct: The elections were characterized by calm and order, with polling stations opening on time in most cases. Observers noted the professionalism of NEC staff, many of whom were women and young university students.
Transparency and Credibility: The IRIS biometric system was widely deployed, enhancing voter verification. Public ballot counting in the presence of party agents reinforced trust in the process.
High Female Participation: Women were prominently involved as voters, polling staff, and observers, reflecting progress in inclusivity.
Challenges Identified
Despite its overall success, the elections faced some challenges, including:
Limited local observation due to reduced international funding.
Reports of underage voting, with individuals appearing younger than the legal age but possessing valid identification.
Instances of political activity near polling stations, which disrupted the voting environment in some areas.
Brenthurst Foundation’s Recommendations
The report offers several recommendations to improve Somaliland’s electoral process:
Strengthen the independence and capacity of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Expand the IRIS biometric system nationwide.
Improve accessibility for disabled and elderly voters.
Enforce strict regulations against political campaigning near polling stations on election day.
Promote issue-based politics to reduce clan-based affiliations.
Conclusion
The Brenthurst Foundation concluded that Somaliland’s 2024 elections were free, fair, and credible, reaffirming the region’s status as a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa. Despite logistical and financial constraints, the elections showcased the dedication of Somaliland’s institutions and people to maintaining stability and democratic values.
As Somaliland continues to strengthen its democratic framework, this successful election underscores its potential for greater recognition and engagement with the international community.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Somaliland has issued a detailed plan for managing election results from the district level up to the national level, emphasizing transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.
In a recent statement, NEC highlighted the structured approach to handling election outcomes and resolving any disputes. The commission assured the public of its commitment to a fair electoral process, with distinct protocols in place at each administrative level.
District-Level Results Management
According to Articles 134 and 135 of Law No. 91/2023, the district offices are responsible for resolving any disputes at the district level and ensuring accurate tallying of votes from polling stations. Once this process is completed, the results are transferred to the regional offices for further validation.
Regional-Level Results Management
In line with Articles 136 and 137, regional offices will oversee the results submitted by district offices. If any grievances arise, they will be forwarded to the NEC’s central office for resolution. This ensures a second layer of scrutiny to maintain the integrity of the results.
National-Level Results Management
Under Articles 138 to 146, the NEC’s central office will compile
International partners observing Somaliland’s presidential election commended the National Electoral Commission (NEC) “for conducting a transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process,” according to a joint statement released after the November 13, 2024, vote.
The observer delegation, comprising ambassadors and envoys from ten nations, reported monitoring the electoral process across 30 polling stations in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley.
According to the partners, the NEC demonstrated “ongoing efforts to maintain independence and impartiality,” which they described as “essential for public confidence and trust in the electoral process.”
During meetings with all three political parties, the international partners urged “Presidential Candidates and their supporters to accept the election results,” emphasizing that “respecting the rule of law is essential to honouring the will of the voters
Reports indicate that more than one million citizens participated in voting across 2,000 polling stations. Voters received two separate ballots—one for selecting the president and another for choosing among ten political organizations competing for official party status.
The presidential race featured incumbent President Muse Bihi of the Kulmiye Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” of the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party.
This election marks the fourth presidential vote since Somaliland declared independence in 1991. Despite functioning as a self-governing country with its own government, currency, and institutions, Somaliland has not gained international recognition.
The election took place amid regional tensions in the Horn of Africa, following the January 1, 2024, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which aims to grant Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland.
Polls have closed across Somaliland after presidential elections, and it appears Wednesday’s voting across the breakaway region has gone smoothly.
The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) said polls closed across the region at 6 p.m. local time. More t
In the evening, vote counting was underway, according to the electoral agency.
“It will start from polling centers level, then passes to district, and the regional before we announce the result,” said NEC Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf. “We have successfully solved minor technical issues reported in some polling stations,” he said.
He said the NEC would announce the result of the election by November 21.
As Somaliland approaches its upcoming election, there is a growing hope that the event will be peaceful and prosperous. I encourage Somalilanders to care for, love and respect one another as we move toward this critical moment in our history. Despite the broader challenges affecting the Horn of Africa, Somaliland has managed to maintain stability and harmony, distinguishing itself as a beacon of progress in the region. The government’s commitment to development has fostered a sense of unity and resilience, and as election day nears, citizens are reflecting on the leadership needed to carry this momentum forward.
Visionary leadership is critical in addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, security challenges in the Horn of Africa, economic planning, education reform, national unity, and peace. The new administration must prioritize economic growth and job creation, implementing effective strategies to reduce unemployment and provide opportunities for young people. Drawing inspiration from successful models in other countries, the next president must craft a comprehensive plan for economic diversification and sustainable development to ensure a resilient and robust economy.
Peace and unity have been the cornerstones of Somaliland’s success, and the new government must uphold these values. Policies that foster social cohesion, strengthen community bonds, and promote collective participation will be crucial to maintaining the nation’s stability. Inclusivity and shared goals will remain essential in keeping a harmonious environment, contributing to Somaliland’s remarkable achievements.
Education reform is another critical area for the next administration to focus on. Somaliland can equip future generations with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet modern challenges by improving the education system at all levels- from primary schools to universities. Investments
in teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and expanding access to quality education will help prepare the youth to contribute effectively to the nation’s continued growth and development.
As citizens head to the polls, voting with a long-term vision for Somaliland’s future is vital. Electing leaders prioritizing peace, economic growth, unity, and education will provide the foundation for the country’s continued progress. Every citizen supports Somaliland’s
development by voting thoughtfully, promoting unity, and fostering mutual respect. By working together, we can ensure that Somaliland remains on the path to prosperity.
It is also crucial for Somaliland to elect a leader who prioritizes the nation’s interests over personal gain. Observations from local and international platforms indicate that the world is closely watching Somaliland’s electoral process. The hope is that the election will be transparent, fair, and accessible, reflecting Somaliland’s democratic values.
In conclusion, Somaliland’s future depends on choosing a leader who prioritizes peace, unity, and socio-economic development. A leader with a clear vision, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to progress will steer the country toward greater stability and prosperity. By making a thoughtful choice at the polls, the people of Somaliland can continue to build a brighter future for all.
This is a monumental achievement feat for Somaliland not seen in developing world
The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mr. Musa Hassan Yusuf has on Sunday launched a special program to support people with special needs and disabilities during the election unseen in the developing world.
This program provides assistance services to people with disabilities on voting day, they will be picked up from their homes and taken to the polling stations to cast their votes, and will be returned to their homes safely.
The launch of the program took place at the headquarters of the National Electoral Commission, with Aynaan Ahmed Ismail from the Somaliland Disability Association representing his community in the presentation.
He was picked up from home and brought to a polling centre and taken back in an epic rehearsal for the special programme.
The NEC chair expressed his happiness at the implementation of the maiden programme which is an unprecedented feat realized in the country, specifically for the people with the special needs.
He pointed out that the NEC had put a lot of effort to address the plight of the people with such need in perspective hence established the special service to be expedited on the day of election.
He said that special staffers have been engaged to cater for the programme and make sure that the people with special needs are not left out.
A Special telephone hot-line number 2339 has been established specifically for the purposes to which the people needing the services call hence are promptly picked.
The scenario was played in the rehearsal exhibited by the NEC to which Aynaan asked for the service and which was expressly executed.
This is indeed a feat rare in the developing world and surely a pipe-dream to most.
For Somaliland to achieve and realize this type of service tells a lot about a nation whose aspirations of self determination and to prosper are limitless.
