The agremeent also combineS the local elections with the parliamentary elections on 10 October 2018 delaying the local elections by almost a year, which only adds to the concern that Somalilanders have a lower house which has been sitting for 12 years.
By: Yusuf M Hasan
Somalilandsun- Somaliland presidential elections have been delayed for a further seven months
Initially slated for 27th March 2017 the presidential polls have now been set for 10th October 2017, following consensus reached at a meeting between the head of state, Political parties leaders and the National election commission in Hargeisa.
Chaired by president Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo participants at the conclusive meeting included leaders of Opposition parties Wadani and UCID, ruling Kulmiye, and seven members of the election commission.
After the meeting the presidential spokesperson released the following statement
Quote- A meeting between the president, political parties chiefs and election commission held at the presidency in Hargeisa made the following decision related
1. Following severe drought affecting most parts of the country presidential elections have been postponed
2. Presidential elections to be held on 10th October 2017 and
3. Parliamentary elections to be held a year later on 10th October 2018
The agreement was jointly signed by
I. Eng Feisal Ali Warabe chairman of UCID party
II. Abdirahman Abdilahi Irro chairman of Wadani Party
III. Muse Behi Abdi chairman of Kulmiye Party and
IV. Abdiqadir Iman Warsame chairman national election commission.
The postponement of Presidential elections follows a campaign by the opposition parties following a report by NEC which indicated that 60% of registered voters were absent from their designated voting centers having been displaced by drought
While parliamentary elections were not on the initial palate having been separated from the presidential ones early last year the new dates set for the polls also settles the contentious issue.
The statement was signed by
Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo
President
Republic of Somaliland
25th January 2017
