Hargeisa (SD) – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, today received at the Presidential Palace the female candidates who participated in the country’s May 31, 2021, parliamentary and local council elections and did not win their seats.

13 female candidates who run for Somaliland’s recent parliamentary elections all lost.

The Minister of Environment and Rural Development, Ms. Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare, addressed the gathering and thanked the President for inviting the women to the meeting.

The Chairperson of Nagaad, Ms. Ismahan Abdisalam Hassan, spoke at the event, describing the efforts taken by the women candidates and the commitment of the government and other women’s organizations to make these candidates successful, and urged women in general not to be discouraged and to continue their efforts.

Among the female candidates present at the meeting were Ms. Dalays Shire Farah, Ms. Sadia Aw Muse Ahmed, Ms. Suad Armiye Odowa, Ms. Halima Hussein Yusuf, Ms. Nimo Mohamed Awale, Ms. Amran Ali Bile and Muna Hussein Khalif of HIIL HAWEEN organization all talked about how the female candidates have come a long way in learning the lessons of life and politics that will benefit them later in life and in the future.

Professor Ahmed Ismail Samatar, one of Somaliland’s leading scholars and a member of the KULMIYE party, also lamented the inability of well-educated women were not able to win their seats. He noted that now was the time to overcome all the challenges facing women that went beyond what the government alone could solve.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, after listening intently to the proposals and requests of the women, delivered a speech advising the women, pointing out that women have achieved great things and that most of the challenges they faced were not unique to them.

“I see women as successful, as a government, we are working with you. The challenges that women face in governing the country are the responsibility of everyone, to find a solution and push for that. As a government and as an individual, I will play my part and I will do my best,” said President Muse Bihi.

28 Female candidates run for the recent local and parliamentary election, with only three winning council seats.