Monday November 11, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Saylici publicly backed the opposition Waddani Party on Sunday, urging voters to support "change-seeking" groups in the upcoming November 13 election.
Saylici, who has served as vice president for over 14 years, joined Waddani's presidential candidate, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, at a press conference in Hargeisa, where he criticized President Muse Bihi's administration.
"President Muse can no longer be trusted to rule the country; he has abandoned the oath he swore to the nation. The interest of Somaliland is in the reformers," Saylici said, marking a rare public endorsement of the opposition from a sitting high-ranking official.
Saylici also endorsed Barwaqo, a political organization from the Awdal region, opposing Hilaac, which is aligned with the ruling Kulmiye Party. His support comes as Irro's campaign gathers momentum, with prominent figures, business leaders, and other influential supporters rallying behind Waddani.
Irro welcomed the vice president's endorsement, calling on Somalilanders to support the Waddani Party and allied groups as they aim to bring reforms to Somaliland's government. The election is anticipated to be a pivotal moment, with high public interest and a growing desire for change from the current administration.
Political analysts note that Saylici's endorsement may bolster Irro's chances against the incumbent party, potentially shifting the balance of power in Somaliland's political landscape.