Historic Speech by the President of the Republic of Somaliland
Mr. Muse Behi Abdi, the Outgoing President
Wednesday November 20th, 2024
“Thanks to Allah who enabled us to hold such a heavy joint election which shocked our foes at how peacefully it took place, and our genuine friends appreciated it. First of all, I am so grateful to the voters of the people of the Republic of Somaliland both young and adult for an election we campaigned properly and peacefully where everybody acted freely to attract voters without interference to them. I am extremely pleased it came about. I am thankful to the voters who cast their votes serenely, the security forces who guarded them, the National Electoral Commission who managed it as well as the contesting parties and associations who were maturely competing, and it is a glory Somaliland achieved, it is Somaliland’s nation-building bolstered. That is my thanksgiving to the general public of Somaliland.”
“The second point I am talking about is the supporters and Kulmiye Party who are not successful in this election today but who was elected yesterday and the day before yesterday and was leading the country. It would have been nice to continue leading the country and be elected for third term. If we fall behind today, they should not be upset about that, and they should not be angry about it for a number of reasons.”
“Firstly, people voted for us both yesterday and the day before yesterday, and thanks to them. Today, if they choose other party over us, it is the nature of democracy and the reason we went to the polls. We have held election to build the nation of Somaliland, not to empower particular person or particularly party. The election has taken place in the best manner and been agreed. It has proved to be an election building our nation of Somaliland; it was an election of strengthening unity and addressing issues. It must be that you have to accept that, that was the primary objective we held election. We didn’t hold election to be elected with reservation, and it is stipulated in our constitution that citizens have right to vote for whoever they want.”
“Another point (Secondly) we have to accept the announced result is that: in many instances, during my candidacy and as the president of the country, I made a promise to the nation that I, my party, and my supporters would accept any result that comes out. It was a promise we made to the nation on many occasions. It is a great promise made, we cannot renege our commitment. We have not said, we have not included, if we are not elected, we will be angry. I am telling the youngsters, the election we had is just like two football teams playing. Each team likes to achieve more goals than the other. The team that is beaten simply walks out of the tunnel and there is no enmity created between the two.“Therefore, I am telling Kulmiye supporters who may reminisce what were said during the campaign days and what a dull intellect might have said, we are more mature than all that. And those who are elected are only the ones we know, they are only our fellows, they are only Somalilanders.”
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“Another reason (Thirdly) we have to accept the result is that we had gone numerous elections, as the result came, we benefited from those we accepted, and the country was built, we made a progress, but those we disagreed were regression and loss to us.”
“Therefore, if we are Kulmiye and those who voted for me and those who supported me and the party itself, are obliged to carry out the promise we made to people and accept the result. I hereby affirm that we have accepted the election results and that Waddani party won, I am telling that the people, it is legal based, honour and nation-building. We are not on a day to argue, and make dispute over result. It is a day all of us have won, and build our nation up together which Kulmiye was the leader for a long time and will be maintaining our leading role. Kulmiye party recognizes and we congratulate the President-elect, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi, and we congratulate the party for the victory they achieved. We are building the nation together, and we will uphold our leading position. I am telling the young people who are angry about what is on the social media and the emotional people, to stay calm. If you want to develop your country, accept the result.”
“Finally, Somaliland nation is victorious today. As you voted peacefully and for nation-building, also work with the President-elect who took the heavy responsibility. Be more tolerant; take good care of your country. What the young people saying and what is going on social media and the simple-minded man says should be disregarded. I say, it is Somaliland that has won, Kulmiye has been a leader in this success, and now will be in the lead. What is a promise for us is to build the nation of Somaliland, to work together to achieve Somaliland’s recognition, and to stand with whichever man is elected each time. There is a tremendous work ahead of him which needs our joint collaboration, so that we can achieve success. Thank you very much, thanks you all.”
Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu
