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Official Somaliland General Election Thread
- Thread starter Jeesto
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They way this election has went has been amazing. We truly are setting an example on how democracy can work in the horn.
Proud of my people
Proud of my people
Well done Somaliland, good to see our Northern Neighbours enjoying peaceful democracy. 
Hopefully, their economy and development reaches a new level and becomes a model for the rest of Eastern Africa.
Hopefully, their economy and development reaches a new level and becomes a model for the rest of Eastern Africa.
Kulmiye!
Well done Somaliland, good to see our Northern Neighbours enjoying peaceful democracy.
Hopefully, their economy and development reaches a new level and becomes a model for the rest of Eastern Africa.
All eyes on Hargeisa with dark clouds enveloping Addis Ababa iyo Nairobi. About damn time a Somali city gets its shine to become the next hub of the horn
The constitution of Somaliland only allows a maximum of 3 political parties.
It’s good to see democracy in somaliland even the tribal leaders are getting involved.
The tribal leader of subeer booower awal has threatened to kill many people and make hargaisa uninhabitable if habar jeclo don’t vote for muuuse bixi mr why do I need prayers if I can kill
The tribal leader of subeer booower awal has threatened to kill many people and make hargaisa uninhabitable if habar jeclo don’t vote for muuuse bixi mr why do I need prayers if I can kill
Jeesto
VIP
High spirits as Somaliland prepares to vote
Election fever grips Somaliland ahead of a tense leadership challenge.
by Kate Stanworth
Young supporters of Waddani (Somaliland National Party) – many under 16 and therefore not yet old enough to vote – gather in Freedom Park in Somaliland’s capital city, Hargeisa. An estimated 70 percent of the population are under 30. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
High spirits and a celebratory atmosphere have characterised the political campaign rallies in the run-up to a long-awaited presidential election in the self-declared state of Somaliland, which is due to take place on November 13.
This is Somaliland's first presidential election since 2010, and the stakes are high. Three candidates - Faysal Ali Warabe of UCID party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Waddani party and Muse Bihi Abdi, of the ruling Kulmiye party - are vying to replace Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud "Silanyo", the current head of state.
The contest was delayed for more than two years due to voter registration issues, lack of funding and a devastating drought.
The process will be witnessed by international election observers funded by the UK government, as well as a team of over 600 domestic observers who will be reporting on polling day using SMS.
It is hoped that a hi-tech voter registration system using iris-recognition software will guard against electoral fraud.
In the past, there have been allegations that competing clans encouraged their members to register multiple times to increase their political influence.
Since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a bloody civil war, the region has held five largely peaceful elections and one constitutional referendum, forging a political system that combines traditional leadership with modern representative democracy.
The fact that it is not officially recognised by any other country means that Somaliland's political situation is complex, and the Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu still lays claim to its territory.
A boy on his way to join an UCID (Justice and Welfare Party) rally in Hargeisa. Young people in Somaliland have shown a strong interest in politics. 'The youth have energy, and for them politics is new,' says Abdirashid Aliahi Farah, a 26-year-old domestic election observer. 'Some are seeing their first election. In order to get their votes, all the parties say they have youth programmes and that they care about the young.' KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Supporters of Kulmiye (Peace, Unity and Development Party), the current ruling party, drive through the streets of Hargeisa displaying party colours and blaring party-promoting music on their way to a rally. Each day only one designated party can campaign, a rule created to avoid potential conflict and security issues. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
UCID presidential candidate, Faysal Ali Warabe, takes a photo with a child before addressing supporters at a rally in Hargeisa. The Somaliland constitution, approved via popular referendum in 2001, allows for only three parties to exist, a ruling designed to separate party politics from clan affiliations. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
When asked why she supports UCID, Fardus, 48, replies: 'This is the party without tribalism. It stands for religion and justice.' Women turned out in large numbers to the city’s campaign rallies. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A Kulmiye party supporter at a rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A woman speaks during a training session for female party campaigners in Guleid Hotel. 'We want people to vote for us without nepotism, and to campaign about positive change,' says Xakun Cali Daahir. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A boy chants ‘bedaluu’, an elaboration of the word ‘bedal’ meaning ‘change’, at a Waddani party political rally in Hargeisa. Word play, phrases and songs capture the popular imagination in a culture with a strong oral tradition. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Ahmed Iman Warsame, leader of one of the groups representing so-called ‘occupational castes’ – leatherworkers, metalworkers and haircutters collectively known as the Gabooye – joins a Waddani rally on horseback. Waddani have made the support of minority groups a focus of their campaign. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Waddani presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as ‘Irro’ waits to address the party faithful at the last rally before polling day. This is the first presidential election in which the Waddani party has participated. Whoever wins the presidency will have to manage a fragile economy that is heavily dependent on diaspora contributions.KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
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Election fever grips Somaliland ahead of a tense leadership challenge.
by Kate Stanworth
Young supporters of Waddani (Somaliland National Party) – many under 16 and therefore not yet old enough to vote – gather in Freedom Park in Somaliland’s capital city, Hargeisa. An estimated 70 percent of the population are under 30. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
High spirits and a celebratory atmosphere have characterised the political campaign rallies in the run-up to a long-awaited presidential election in the self-declared state of Somaliland, which is due to take place on November 13.
This is Somaliland's first presidential election since 2010, and the stakes are high. Three candidates - Faysal Ali Warabe of UCID party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Waddani party and Muse Bihi Abdi, of the ruling Kulmiye party - are vying to replace Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud "Silanyo", the current head of state.
The contest was delayed for more than two years due to voter registration issues, lack of funding and a devastating drought.
The process will be witnessed by international election observers funded by the UK government, as well as a team of over 600 domestic observers who will be reporting on polling day using SMS.
It is hoped that a hi-tech voter registration system using iris-recognition software will guard against electoral fraud.
In the past, there have been allegations that competing clans encouraged their members to register multiple times to increase their political influence.
Since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a bloody civil war, the region has held five largely peaceful elections and one constitutional referendum, forging a political system that combines traditional leadership with modern representative democracy.
The fact that it is not officially recognised by any other country means that Somaliland's political situation is complex, and the Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu still lays claim to its territory.
A boy on his way to join an UCID (Justice and Welfare Party) rally in Hargeisa. Young people in Somaliland have shown a strong interest in politics. 'The youth have energy, and for them politics is new,' says Abdirashid Aliahi Farah, a 26-year-old domestic election observer. 'Some are seeing their first election. In order to get their votes, all the parties say they have youth programmes and that they care about the young.' KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Supporters of Kulmiye (Peace, Unity and Development Party), the current ruling party, drive through the streets of Hargeisa displaying party colours and blaring party-promoting music on their way to a rally. Each day only one designated party can campaign, a rule created to avoid potential conflict and security issues. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
UCID presidential candidate, Faysal Ali Warabe, takes a photo with a child before addressing supporters at a rally in Hargeisa. The Somaliland constitution, approved via popular referendum in 2001, allows for only three parties to exist, a ruling designed to separate party politics from clan affiliations. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
When asked why she supports UCID, Fardus, 48, replies: 'This is the party without tribalism. It stands for religion and justice.' Women turned out in large numbers to the city’s campaign rallies. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A Kulmiye party supporter at a rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A woman speaks during a training session for female party campaigners in Guleid Hotel. 'We want people to vote for us without nepotism, and to campaign about positive change,' says Xakun Cali Daahir. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A boy chants ‘bedaluu’, an elaboration of the word ‘bedal’ meaning ‘change’, at a Waddani party political rally in Hargeisa. Word play, phrases and songs capture the popular imagination in a culture with a strong oral tradition. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Ahmed Iman Warsame, leader of one of the groups representing so-called ‘occupational castes’ – leatherworkers, metalworkers and haircutters collectively known as the Gabooye – joins a Waddani rally on horseback. Waddani have made the support of minority groups a focus of their campaign. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Waddani presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as ‘Irro’ waits to address the party faithful at the last rally before polling day. This is the first presidential election in which the Waddani party has participated. Whoever wins the presidency will have to manage a fragile economy that is heavily dependent on diaspora contributions.KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
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Jeesto
VIP
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The face of presidential candidate, Muse Bihi Abdi, of the ruling Kulmiye party, on women’s shawls at a rally in Hargeisa. Bihi is a former soldier who fought for the Somali National Movement against the Mogadishu government of Siyaad Barre. 'He has been a war veteran for the country and its people, therefore he can make the country safe in terms of security,' says Farah, a 45 year old Kulmiye supporter at a rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A woman holds up a campaign leaflet in the form of a polling card at a Kulmiye party rally in Hargeisa. Polling cards will include the party symbols to cater for voters who are illiterate. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Domestic election observers during a training session in Hargeisa. They will be part of a team of over 600 observers who will be reporting on polling day using SMS. 'Because we are an emerging country, the world can see our democracy, so it’s important to show our process is fair and transparent,' says 21-year-old observer and student, Isir Guleid Hussein. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Traditional Somali dancers perform at a Waddani rally in Freedom Park, Hargeisa. Religious leaders expressed concern to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) about what they consider to be ‘un-Islamic behaviour’ during the campaigns, with the playing of music and men and women dancing together. The NEC however, let the rallies go ahead, arguing that the right to campaign is written into the constitution. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Women chanting and singing joyfully as they wait for their leader’s address at an UCID rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/in...ts-somaliland-vote-years-171112070005766.html
The face of presidential candidate, Muse Bihi Abdi, of the ruling Kulmiye party, on women’s shawls at a rally in Hargeisa. Bihi is a former soldier who fought for the Somali National Movement against the Mogadishu government of Siyaad Barre. 'He has been a war veteran for the country and its people, therefore he can make the country safe in terms of security,' says Farah, a 45 year old Kulmiye supporter at a rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
A woman holds up a campaign leaflet in the form of a polling card at a Kulmiye party rally in Hargeisa. Polling cards will include the party symbols to cater for voters who are illiterate. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Domestic election observers during a training session in Hargeisa. They will be part of a team of over 600 observers who will be reporting on polling day using SMS. 'Because we are an emerging country, the world can see our democracy, so it’s important to show our process is fair and transparent,' says 21-year-old observer and student, Isir Guleid Hussein. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Traditional Somali dancers perform at a Waddani rally in Freedom Park, Hargeisa. Religious leaders expressed concern to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) about what they consider to be ‘un-Islamic behaviour’ during the campaigns, with the playing of music and men and women dancing together. The NEC however, let the rallies go ahead, arguing that the right to campaign is written into the constitution. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
Women chanting and singing joyfully as they wait for their leader’s address at an UCID rally in Hargeisa. KATE STANWORTH/SAFERWORLD/AL JAZEERA
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/in...ts-somaliland-vote-years-171112070005766.html
Jeesto
VIP
Somaliland's planned social media blockade during election challenged in court
Ismail Akwei 3 hours ago
SOMALIA
Somaliland’s decision to ban social media during its election on November 13 has been challenged by the country’s human rights body at the Supreme Court.
The Somaliland Human Right Centre submitted a petition to the court to halt the move by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) which said on Friday that the shutdown will be observed from Monday until the results are announced.
The NEC said it was necessary to block social media to avoid the spread of fake news and rumours.
The court’s ruling is expected by Monday ahead of the opening of polls.
The self-declared independent state of Somaliland ended its campaign on Friday ahead of its third elections on Monday.
The three candidates are former minister Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling KULMIYE (Peace, Unity and Development Party); veteran politician Faisal Ali Warabe of UCID (Justice and Welfare Party); and then the former speaker of the House of Representatives Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Waddani (National Party).
They marched together through the capital Hargeisa on Saturday holding hands to depict unity and call for peace as the country goes to the polls. They addressed the media after a meeting with the Electoral Commission.
This election is touted to be the first incident-free polls to be held in the Horn of Africa.
Out of the about 4 million Somaliland population, 704, 089 registered voters are expected to elect the new president. There are 1,642 polling stations in the 21 constituencies across the six regions of the country.
The country will be the first in Africa to use the iris-recognition biometric voter registration system.
A team of 60 international election observers from 24 countries have been deployed to the country by the international election observation mission (EOM) funded by the British government.
Somaliland’s decision to block social media follows those of Uganda, Congo, Chad, Gabon, Niger, and Gambia where internet connection was blocked during their elections last year. The blockade did not reduce controversies during those elections.
Countries such as Ghana, Zambia, and recently Rwanda, Angola, Kenya and Liberia kept their internet active and were not threatened by fake news.
NEC Chairperson Abdukadir Iman Warsame said everything is ready for the election on Monday.
http://www.africanews.com/2017/11/1...blockade-during-election-challenged-in-court/
Somaliland's planned social media blockade during election challenged in court
Ismail Akwei 3 hours ago
SOMALIA
Somaliland’s decision to ban social media during its election on November 13 has been challenged by the country’s human rights body at the Supreme Court.
The Somaliland Human Right Centre submitted a petition to the court to halt the move by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) which said on Friday that the shutdown will be observed from Monday until the results are announced.
The NEC said it was necessary to block social media to avoid the spread of fake news and rumours.
The court’s ruling is expected by Monday ahead of the opening of polls.
The self-declared independent state of Somaliland ended its campaign on Friday ahead of its third elections on Monday.
The three candidates are former minister Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling KULMIYE (Peace, Unity and Development Party); veteran politician Faisal Ali Warabe of UCID (Justice and Welfare Party); and then the former speaker of the House of Representatives Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Waddani (National Party).
They marched together through the capital Hargeisa on Saturday holding hands to depict unity and call for peace as the country goes to the polls. They addressed the media after a meeting with the Electoral Commission.
This election is touted to be the first incident-free polls to be held in the Horn of Africa.
Out of the about 4 million Somaliland population, 704, 089 registered voters are expected to elect the new president. There are 1,642 polling stations in the 21 constituencies across the six regions of the country.
The country will be the first in Africa to use the iris-recognition biometric voter registration system.
A team of 60 international election observers from 24 countries have been deployed to the country by the international election observation mission (EOM) funded by the British government.
Somaliland’s decision to block social media follows those of Uganda, Congo, Chad, Gabon, Niger, and Gambia where internet connection was blocked during their elections last year. The blockade did not reduce controversies during those elections.
Countries such as Ghana, Zambia, and recently Rwanda, Angola, Kenya and Liberia kept their internet active and were not threatened by fake news.
NEC Chairperson Abdukadir Iman Warsame said everything is ready for the election on Monday.
http://www.africanews.com/2017/11/1...blockade-during-election-challenged-in-court/
Masha'Allah all three candidates
Holding hands
I have warm feelings in my heart
Right now
Jeesto
VIP
Meesha wa la isugu yimidMasha'Allah all three candidates
Holding hands
I have warm feelings in my heart
Right now
It's great that Wadani is focusing on the Gabooye people.
Props to them
Props to them
- Status
