Tuesday November 12, 2024
Workers next to the Independence Monument, depicting a hand holding a map of the country, in the city of Hargeisa, Somaliland, in September 2021. Eduardo Soteras/AFP via Getty Images
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland, the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, heads to the polls on Wednesday for a dual election that could shape its governance for the next decade. In a combined presidential and political party vote, citizens of this unrecognized but democratically driven region will select their next leader and decide which political parties will dominate Somaliland’s political landscape in the years to come.
The election marks a major test for Somaliland, which has managed relative peace and stability despite ongoing struggles for international recognition.
The polls, delayed by two years due to fierce disagreements over election sequencing, come after an extended standoff. Initially, the government proposed holding party elections before the presidential race, allowing party leaders to emerge before choosing the head of state. The opposition contested this, pushing for both votes to be conducted simultaneously to maintain fairness. The deadlock led to protests and sporadic violence, including clashes between security forces and opposition groups after President Muse Bihi Abdi’s term was extended by two years, a move that fueled public frustration.
Eventually, traditional elders brokered a compromise, leading to a unified election day. Established parties are competing in both races, while newly registered parties will participate solely in the party vote, hoping to secure a role in Somaliland’s future political arena.
The presidential race pits incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi, representing the ruling Kulmiye party, against Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe of UCID. Bihi, who has held power since 2017, catapulted himself into the international headlines earlier this year by signing a contenious preliminary agreement to allow Ethiopia to establish a naval corridor in the Red Sea. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, fiercely denounced this as interference in its domestic affairs.
Irro, a former Speaker of the House running on a platform of unity and security, has pledged to reassess Somaliland’s relationship with Somalia if it serves Somaliland’s interests. His campaign has picked up momentum in recent weeks, partly in thanks to high profile defections. Meanwhile, Warabe, representing UCID, has maintained a strong focus on securing international recognition for Somaliland, which remains a long-sought but elusive goal for the region.
With over one million registered voters expected at 24,650 polling stations, this election has seen unprecedented voter turnout. To verify identities and minimize fraud, Somaliland’s Election Commission has introduced biometric eye-scanning technology at select locations, a first for the region. Security concerns have also prompted authorities to deploy more than 2,500 military and police personnel, especially in areas recently troubled by violence, such as Las Anod. This city, now under the administration of the newly established Khatumo region after clashes with Somaliland forces, will not participate in this year’s election due to ongoing security risks.
Beyond electing a president, voters will determine the three political parties that will shape Somaliland’s future. Under Somaliland’s unique political system, only three parties can operate at a time to reduce political fragmentation. The three chosen in this election will be given official status for the next ten years, guiding the region’s policies and representing the citizens on both local and international issues.
“This election isn’t just about choosing a leader; it’s about solidifying our political identity,” says Hargeisa-based analyst Abdinasser Ahmed Aden. “The people are choosing which parties will drive Somaliland’s vision for the next decade.”
For many in Somaliland, this election represents a chance to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful governance, unity, and the possibility of future international recognition. In a region that has weathered internal conflict and resisted external pressures, Somaliland’s engagement with democracy offers a hopeful contrast to the instability seen elsewhere in the Horn of Africa.