Hargeisa October 03,2022 (SD) – Somaliland’s opposition parties have strongly opposed the Gurti’s decision on extending the term of the president in office and that of the Senate.

The unelected Gurti of Somaliland has yesterday extended president Muse Bihi Abdi’s term in office by 2 years, and the term of office of the Gurti council extended by 5 years.

Today, the Waddani party has completely opposed the decision of the Somaliland Senate to extend President Bihi’s term of office by 2 years and by the Gurti 5 years.

The presidential candidate of the Waddani Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who spoke to the media in Hargeisa today, adding that the decision of the Gurti is not legal and that they do not accept it.

“I am telling the international community, and those that love the unity of Somaliland, that the decision of the Senate is not based on the constitution and the rules, Therefore, the Waddani party sees the decision as illegal and does not accept it,” said Candidate Irro.

He also said that after November 13, which marks the end of president in office, the Waddani Party will not recognize the legitimacy of the Somaliland government.

Candidate Irro said that the responsibility for any problem arising from the decision of the Gurti will be borne by the president of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi, adding that they will go through every possible way to force the government to hold the presidential election.

Somaliland’s opposition party, UCID, also said that there is no legal reason to extend the term of President Muse Bihi Abdi, saying that the extension is done without consultation.

Party chairman Faysal Ali Warabe, who spoke to the media in Hargeisa, said that the presidential election can only be postponed if there is insecurity or drought.

“What the Senate did yesterday is not legal. There are no circumstances to extend the president’s term in the country, such as droughts and wars. The only circumstance was the delay, and the commission has the right to follow the procedures they have made.” said Faisal Ali Waraabe.

The rejection of the Gurti’s decision by the opposition parties adds fuel to the country’s election dispute.