Wednesday August 30, 2023
Hargeisa (HOL) – The government of Somaliland and opposition parties have agreed to hold the Presidential and political organization elections on the same day, ending a prolonged electoral dispute.
The committee of traditional elders entrusted with the task of resolving the electoral conflict announced on Tuesday night that President Muse Bihi Abdi, the leader of the ruling party, along with the leaders of the two opposition parties, Waddani and UCID, have accepted the decisions put forth by the self-appointed mediation committee regarding the electoral dispute.
The newly formed political organizations which initially opposed this decision were subsequently convinced to support it. This development paves the way for a consensus election.
The crux of the political discord between the government and the opposition revolves around the sequencing of the election of political organizations and the presidential election. President Bihi wants the election of political organizations to precede the presidential election; a stance met with reluctance from the opposition.
However, a crucial determination made by the committee is that the elections for both political organizations and the Presidential post will be conducted on the same day—specifically, on November 13, 2024.
Moreover, the committee of traditional elders has issued a directive for the immediate dissolution of the anti-government rebels currently assembled in the Gacan-Libah Mountains. This directive is expected to be carried out within a span of five days, with the elderly members obligated to oversee this task. Furthermore, the delegation has instructed the government to grant pardons to the members of these rebel forces.
These recent developments mark a significant stride toward resolving the electoral dispute, holding the potential to contribute to a more stable political landscape in Somaliland.