Somalilandsun: The formerly Covert Turmoil at the Somaliland National Elections Commission-NEC has now turned overt and in a very unexpected manner.
This follows the ouster of NEC Chair Abdirashid Mohamud Ali ‘Riyo-raac’ and subsequent replacement with Commissioner Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi.
The Saga at the Electoral body ensued with a press statement released by the new chair in where she informed that she is now the de-facto boss.
In reaction the allegedly Ousted chairperson counter the move in a statement in which he claimed to still being the bona-fide NEC boss.
NEC is a seven member constitutional body tasked with organizing Presidential, Parliamentary and Local councils elections as Well as referendums in Somaliland.
The statement Announcing the elevation of Commissioner Ms Kaltun Sheikh Hassan to the leadership of the electoral body( somali language translated) read:
Changes in the Leadership of the National Electoral Commission
In conformity with the Somaliland General Elections and Voter Registration Act #91/2020 as well as various by-laws and amendments related to leadership of the National elections Commission it is hereby informed that Effective today, April 27, 2022 Commissioner Abdirashid Mohamud Ali has been removed form his position as chairperson.
Similarly a majority of Commissioners have elected Ms Kaltun Sheikh Hasan Abdi as the new chairperson of NEC , who is to assume office immediately.
The commison thanks the outgoing chairperson for outstanding service in managing past Elections while wishing his replacement success in her new duties.
Reacting to this ouster embattled Commissioner Riyo-raac released a press statement (somali language) that read
Quote- The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Somaliland denies illegal dismissal posted on social media
This move was propagated incorrectly and contrary to law therefore void.
To this effect the Chairman of NEC informs all stakeholders especially the three National political parties that the alleged ouster a d replacement is false.
Since the leadership changes at the national elections Commission were made contrary to law I have asked the president to establish a commission of enquiry.
This commission is stipulated for in the Somaliland Elections and Registration Voters Act #91/2020 Article 15, Paragraph 2.
The beleaguer Somaliland’s Electoral body boss further apologised to citizens for the erroneous leadership changes statement which he urged them to ignore.
With the battles line fully set for ultimatum control of NEC , the successful removal of Riyo-raac from the chair will see Ms Kaltun Sheikh become the first woman to lead the Somaliland electoral process, imminent being the presidential polls slated for later in the year.
