Saturday July 13, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Prof. Ahmed Ismail Samatar, chairman of the Hilaac Political Association, announced his withdrawal from Somaliland's upcoming organizational elections, citing the exclusion of new groups from the presidential race as the primary reason.
In an interview with Horn Cable TV, Samatar criticized the move as unlawful and detrimental to Somaliland's unity. He believed that barring new organizations from the presidential election undermines democratic principles.
"Personally, as Ahmed Ismail Samatar, I have decided not to participate in the elections as they are structured. As the Hilaac community, we do not issue orders, but I have suggested that we should not participate in the elections and not legitimize what is unlawful," Samatar stated.
He further argued that the electoral system in Somaliland has been monopolized by clans and controlled by the three established parties, which he claims have blocked a fair presidential election. This, he believes, is both unjust and unacceptable.
Samatar revealed that he had requested special consideration for the Hilaac organization to be included among the participating parties for the presidential election. However, this request was denied, leading to his decision to withdraw from the race.
The senior leadership of the Hilaac organization announced Samatar's dismissal from his position as chairman. They declared their intention to participate in the upcoming election and accused Samatar of making unilateral decisions without their consensus.