Hargeisa July 18, 2023 (SD) – The opposition parties in Somaliland, Waddani and UCID, have strongly criticized the decision made by the electoral commission regarding the timing of the upcoming elections for political associations and the presidency.

The Waddani Party’s Chief Spokesperson, Khadar Hussein Abdi, speaking to the media today, stated that the decision of the electoral commission would jeopardize Somaliland’s stability.

“Somaliland is currently in a delicate and crucial stage, and the decision they have announced is capable of causing significant harm to Somaliland. Therefore, our party strongly rejects the decision made by the commission,” said Spokesperson Khadar.

He further stated that the party would consult with its supporters, civil society organizations, and all those who disagree with the decision to oppose the commission’s decision.

Furthermore, the other opposition party of Somaliland, UCID, has expressed its full disagreement with the commission’s decision regarding the chronological and the timing of the elections.

In a press release issued by UCID, it was stated that the decision made by the electoral commission was illegally null and void and would not be accepted.

“The UCID party’s executive committee has decided that the decision made by President Muse Bihi’s National Electoral Commission, which sets the date of the political associations elections on July 17, 2023, is not acceptable as it lacks the required legal basis,” the press release stated.

The party also claimed that the commission had deviated from the legally mandated electoral process and called for elections to be held according to the applicable laws, as stated in their official statement.

The current electoral dispute could consume Somaliland’s hard earned peace, stability and has the potential to add to the Horn’s woes.