Thursday 14,Nov 2024 {HMC} International observers praised Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Wednesday for conducting a peaceful and transparent presidential election, as polls closed across the breakaway region.
The group of diplomats, including envoys from the United States, United Kingdom, and multiple European countries, visited more than 30 polling sites in Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley.
In a joint statement, they commended the NEC’s impartiality and transparent handling of voter registration and candidate nominations, adding that these measures helped foster public trust in Somaliland’s democratic process.
“Congratulations to Somalilanders for exercising their right to vote peacefully and responsibly,” the statement said. “It is the voters who ultimately decide their leadership, and we urge all political parties to accept the election results and respect the rule of law.”
The NEC confirmed that polling stations closed at 6 p.m. local time, with ballots now being counted at polling, district, and regional centers. Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf said the NEC had quickly resolved minor technical issues and expected to announce results by November 21. NEC reports indicated that more than 1 million registered voters cast their ballots across nearly 2,000 polling stations.
General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi, head of the Somaliland Police Force, confirmed the day’s events were largely peaceful, with no major security incidents. Saqadhi credited coordinated security efforts to maintain order across polling stations and ensure a smooth process.
The statement, signed by representatives from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to support Somaliland’s pursuit of democratic integrity.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized, has strived to establish democratic governance as it seeks global legitimacy.
Source Hiiraan online
