Somaliland’s Presidential Elections Close Smoothly Amid High Voter Turnout
Hargeisa, Somaliland – Polls have closed across Somaliland following its presidential elections, with initial reports indicating a smooth and orderly voting process across the breakaway region. The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) confirmed that polls closed at 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, with over a million registered voters participating at approximately 2,000 polling stations.
Vote counting commenced in the evening, beginning at the polling centers before moving to district and regional levels. “We have successfully resolved minor technical issues reported in some polling stations,” said NEC Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf. He noted that the election results would be announced by November 21.
The international community monitoring Somaliland’s elections commended the NEC for “conducting a transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process.” Observers, comprising ambassadors and envoys from ten nations, monitored polling stations in key cities, including Hargeisa, Boroma, Berbera, and Gabiley. Their joint statement praised the NEC’s “ongoing efforts to maintain independence and impartiality,” underscoring the commission’s role in bolstering public confidence.
Voter Turnout and Process
- Voters Registered: Over 1 million
- Polling Stations: More than 2,000
- Observers: Monitored by international diplomats and election experts
- Security: No significant incidents reported
International observers commended the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for facilitating a transparent and secure voting environment. Ambassadors and envoys from ten countries observed the voting, reporting a seamless process that bolstered public trust.
Candidates
- Muse Bihi Abdi (Incumbent) – Kulmiye Party: Seeking re-election
- Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi – Waddani Party: Main opposition candidate
- Faysal Ali Warabe – UCID Party
The incumbent President, Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye party, faced tough competition from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani party, with additional opposition from Faysal Ali Warabe of the UCID party.
Counting and Preliminary Results
As vote counting progresses, preliminary results indicate a shift in voter preference:
- Waddani Party: 65% of votes (based on 91% of counted ballots)
- Kulmiye Party: 35%
- UCID Party: 0.87%
The strong lead by the Waddani party has ignited optimism among supporters, while NEC officials continue with careful tallying across all districts. This election, held on November 13, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Somaliland, a self-declared independent region since 1991, yet still unrecognized internationally. Originally set for 2022, the election faced a two-year delay due to economic and political challenges. Nevertheless, voter turnout appeared strong, reflecting a high degree of civic engagement among the population.
Local sources highlighted the public’s enthusiasm as a testament to Somaliland’s democratic aspirations. “Among the strengths of these elections is the spirit of participation that emerged,” one source noted. “Turnout was high, with a populace eager to exercise its right to vote.”
As vote counting continues, the people of Somaliland await the official results, with the outcome poised to further shape the future of this determined but diplomatically isolated region.
