Somdaily:- In a landmark event, voters in Somaliland are casting their ballots today across all regions in a historic election that will determine both the next president of Somaliland and the three official political parties. This marks the first occasion in Somaliland’s history where voters will simultaneously elect their president and choose their preferred political parties.
The presidential race features three main contenders: Muse Bihi of the ruling party KULMIYE, Abdirahman Ciro of WADANI, and Feisal Ali Warabe of UCID. Additionally, ten political parties are vying to be among the three official parties of Somaliland.
According to the electoral commission of Somaliland, a total of 1,272,840 registered voters are participating in today’s election. Notably, 39% of the total votes, equivalent to 500,000 votes, are registered in the Maroodijeex region, a stronghold for the KULMIYE party. In contrast, the WADANI stronghold regions of Togdheer and Sanaag have registered 236,000 and 120,000 voters, respectively. The closely contested Awdal region has 181,000 registered voters.
This election cycle has seen a 29% increase in registered voters, with 300,000 more registrants compared to previous elections, including the most recent local council election in 2020. Unfortunately, the Eastern Sool region will not participate in this year’s election due to ongoing conflict between Somaliland and SSC Khatumo, which has declared independence from Somaliland.
Reports from polling stations across Somaliland indicate that the voting process is proceeding smoothly.
