Various Reactions to the Election Timelines Announced by the Somaliland NEC
According to the released schedule by the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, the political parties and associations election is planned to be held on the 28th of December, 2023, trailed by the presidential election slated the 13th of November, 2024.
In light of the Somaliland NEC’s plan as to the holding overdue elections, the 13 Political Associations reiterated their support and called upon the Somaliland people to treasure this milestone by showing their blessings in support.
They proceeded by urging the populace to prepare for the upcoming elections in a responsible manner and to refrain from participating in any activity that would jeopardize the careful planning and preparation of the electoral system
In an official written statement gave by the UCID party, the Somaliland NEC’s verdict has been considered unlawful because of the way that the political parties election, which is planned to happen first, lacks the necessary laws mandating it to be conducted ahead of the other. Therefore, UCID party has been crowned as the first political institution rejecting formally the sequencing of elections as proposed by Somaliland NEC.
It is also worth noting that the UCID party has not yet made a final decision on whether or not to boycott the elections. Such decision taken by UCID will significantly affect the party’s destiny, given the tension surrounding the holding of the elections and public sentiment on this matter.
The main opposition party, Wadani, has not yet given a public statement on the decision of the NEC, whether they endorse or reject it other than that they are in discussions thoroughly scrutinizing it. Though, unverified reports say that they are probably going to concur and be happy with this
The ruling party Kulmiye, has officially pronounced its acceptance of the recently set election timetable by the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC). Thus, this makes the current government party – Kulmiye – to become the first major political party embracing the new roadmap for the past due elections.
Mohamed Kahin, the Minister of Interior and Deputy Chairman of the ruling party, has urged other political institutions to take action accordingly in endorsing the new course for the delayed elections. He praised the political associations for instantly embracing the election schedule.
The Minister also took the opportunity to address the public, urging them to prepare responsibly for the upcoming elections scheduled for this year. He emphasized the importance of refraining from any actions that could compromise the integrity and smooth execution of the electoral process.
As Lizz Walker – the head of UK’s FCD Office in Hargeisa – tweeted about the Somaliland NEC’s decision on election timeline, a joint statement issued by the so-called Somaliland’s international partners welcomes the new dates set for the elections. The statement vehemently opposes any more electoral process delays and exhorts all political actors to follow the recently suggested election schedules. It further calls for the parliament to instantly address outstanding technical, financing, political, and legal issues identified by the National Electoral Commission.
Statement from International Partners on #Somaliland elections 👇 pic.twitter.com/1R1jEVFRQ7
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) July 19, 2023
A staunch friend of Somaliland, an expert on international relations, Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Former United States Special Envoy for the Sahel Region, in a tweet posted on his page, Dr. John Peter Pham criticized the US government for pursuing the failed policy of “One Somalia” and for its silence on the decision made by the Somaliland NEC as to the upcoming elections
since it prides itself to be the banner carrier for sustaining the democracy and spreading it all over the planet.
Where is @US2SOMALIA🇺🇸 while our European friends welcome the @SLNECHQ announcement of the timetable for elections in #Somaliland? Is it that they are too busy in Mogadishu obsessing about the “one (rump) #Somalia” fantasy to notice that real 1-person-1-vote elections can happen? https://t.co/H0ZwDTgNzT
— Dr. J. Peter Pham 🇺🇲 (@DrJPPham) July 19, 2023
Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, and former US Ambassador to Ethiopia and Guinea – Tibor Nagy lauded NEC’s decision in a tweet and remarked that US desperately needs to end bogus 1-Somalia policy and recognize the “real nation”
Heartening to see #Somaliland Electoral Commission announce dates for national union and presidential multiparty & one person/one vote elections and do it judiciously. US desperately needs to end bogus 1-Somalia policy and recognize the real "nation."https://t.co/harO4rVPZ4
— Tibor Nagy (@TiborPNagyJr) July 19, 2023
Favorable reactions are very visible in the face of the tough decision made by the Somaliland NEC, which greatly energizes the holding of these elections, and at the very token marking any negative reactions as forces that are not keen on furthering the democratic process in the country.