Polling stations have closed across Somaliland following a calm and orderly presidential election, marking another milestone for the self-declared republic in its decades-long quest for recognition on the global stage. Voting ended at 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, and vote counting began soon afterward, according to Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC).
The NEC confirmed that more than 1 million people were registered to vote across roughly 2,000 polling stations in the region, a significant turnout for Somaliland, which has been seeking international legitimacy since declaring back its 1960 independence from Somalia in 1991. NEC Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf assured the public that vote counting would be conducted meticulously, with results to be announced by November 21.
“Counting will proceed from polling center level to district and regional levels before we announce the final result,” Yusuf explained. He noted that the commission had efficiently addressed minor technical issues reported at some polling stations, contributing to the smooth operation of the vote.
Authorities reported no security incidents during the election, a positive sign for Somaliland’s stability. General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi, head of the Somaliland Police Force, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, thanking citizens and officials for ensuring the day was “democratic and peaceful.”
“Thanks to Allah, the election took place democratically and peacefully. No incidents were reported,” Saqadhi said.
Three candidates were on the ballot, including incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Peace, Unity and Development Party, known locally as Kulmiye. President Abdi is running for a second term and faces competition from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often referred to as “Irro,” of the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Development Party (UCID). Each candidate has pledged to prioritize economic growth, democratic governance, and the region’s pursuit of international recognition.
In interviews with VOA Somali, the candidates detailed their goals, with Abdi emphasizing continuity and stability under his leadership. Abdullahi, of Waddani, has focused on diversifying Somaliland’s economy and strengthening its democratic institutions, while Warabe, representing UCID, has advocated for social justice and economic reforms aimed at improving living standards across Somaliland.
This election is particularly significant as Somaliland continues its campaign for global recognition. For more than three decades, Somaliland has maintained a level of stability and governance that contrasts sharply with the volatile situation in Somalia. However, despite its successes, the region has yet to gain formal acknowledgment as an independent state.
The NEC’s assurance of a credible election process is likely to bolster Somaliland’s bid for recognition, as its leaders continue to emphasize the region’s stability and democratic institutions. However, the path forward remains uncertain, as international support for Somaliland’s independence has been limited, with most countries and international organizations recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity.
As vote counting proceeds and Somaliland awaits official results, the election represents not only a test of democratic resilience but also a step in the region’s ongoing efforts to solidify its identity and position on the international stage. The final results will likely determine whether Somaliland can advance its ambitions for recognition, potentially reshaping its relations within the Horn of Africa and beyond.
