SomDaily – November 14, 2024:- A delegation of international partners visited Hargeisa on November 14, 2024, to congratulate the government of Somaliland for successfully and peacefully conducting its direct presidential elections. The visit, which came just a day after the elections, included ambassadors and heads of missions from various Western countries, many of whom had supported the election process.
The Somaliland government played a pivotal role in financing this year’s elections, providing 10 million of the 14 million USD total budget. The remaining 4 million USD came from the UK and Taiwan, marking a shift from previous years when the European Union and other international donors had larger financial contributions. Notably, the European Union did not contribute to this year’s election budget, signaling a reduced level of financial involvement in the electoral process.
Sources close to the Somaliland government told Somdaily that the meeting between international diplomats and President Muse Bihi Ahmed focused primarily on congratulatory messages for both the ruling administration and opposition parties. The message praised the peaceful conduct of both sides during the election process, as well as the role of the Somaliland Electoral Commission, which managed the election with remarkable efficiency.
Some sources, however, suggested that the meeting also served as a form of election observation and support for the people of Somaliland and the Electoral Commission, recognizing their tireless efforts in facilitating the election amid challenges.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of growing political tension. Rumors are circulating that the opposition, particularly the Wadani party, may have secured a significant lead in the election, with some estimates suggesting they have garnered up to 60% of the vote. While official results are not expected to be released until November 21, 2024, unofficial preliminary results from supporters of the opposition and election analysts have begun circulating, causing concern about the potential for instability if the final outcome differs.
The uncertainty surrounding the results has prompted fears that any significant discrepancy between unofficial and official results could jeopardize the peace and stability that Somaliland has maintained during its electoral process. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Electoral Commission to ensure transparency and integrity in the final count.
The international community’s recognition of Somaliland’s electoral progress is significant, especially given the region’s long-standing challenges in governance and recognition. Despite these challenges, the peaceful and orderly conduct of this election has been widely praised as a significant achievement for Somaliland’s democratic development.
