Sunday February 18, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) - The Vice President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Saylici, criticized the electoral law approved by the Senate house on Saturday, stating that it is detrimental to the unity of the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The Vice President expressed concern that the Senate approved a law serving personal interests rather than the public interest of Somaliland. He stated, "This approved law deprives a part of the community of their rights, and lawmakers were not allowed to review the law. I emphasize that the law should not divide the nation again."
Mr. Saylici and other officials from the Awdal region have rejected the provision requiring organizations to garner 20% of the votes in each region to become a full party. Instead, they advocate for organizations to win based on a 50+1 majority.
Both the government of Somaliland and the UCID party also support the requirement for political organizations to win based on a 50+1 majority. Conversely, the Wadani party and the Kaah organization are accused of advocating for the provision stating that organizations should obtain 20% of the total votes in each region.