Following months of uncertainty regarding the postponing of the presidential election, the Somaliland Electoral Commission (SEC) has released the election schedule. The election season for political organisations will commence on December 28, 2023, according to the SEC. In November 2024, a presidential election will be held.
The election dates follow the legislative upper house’s decision to prolong current President Muse Bihi Abdi’s term by two years, triggering condemnation from opposition parties and violent confrontations in the contested Sool area. The international community has denounced Somaliland’s attacks on civilians and social service locations. Opposition leaders accused Musse Bihi Abdi of undermining the democratic process by refusing to hold scheduled elections.
The new dates were decided following lengthy consultations with political players, according to the election commission, in an effort to reduce tensions.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but is still not recognized globally.