Somaliland: NEC Briefs Over 40 International Elections Observers
Somalilandsun: International Observers to the Somaliland Parliamentary and Local Councils elections 2021 are in place and ready for duties on the 31st May and afterwards .
This was mutually concurred during a meeting between the National elections commission- NEC and International elections observers in Hargeisa.
Though the mission is said to be limited in numbers for this 2021 elections its membership comprises of some high calibre African and global dignitaries.
The two are the Limited International Elections Observer Mission-LIEOM and the Somaliland Election Monitoring Mission (SEMM) .
The two observer missions stated that they shall conduct observation activities in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, emphasising the impartiality of its observation
The LIEOM team is led by veteran Somaliland elections observer , Prof Michael Walls and comprises 12 members, pooled from Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, US and Zambia
LIEOM is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, and organised by the Development Planning Unit (DPU) at University College London.
Also read: DPU lead international team to observe Somaliland’s parliamentary and local council elections
The second SEMM is led by Mr Erastus Mwencha, Former Deputy Chair of the AUC (Head of Delegation) and includes President Ernest Bai Koroma, Former President of Sierra Leone and The Brenthurst Foundation Director, Dr Greg Mills.
Others in the 30 strong SEMM include, Leaders of several African political parties, election experts, journalists and academics. Full list HERE
The SEMM has been organised by The Brenthurst Foundation which works on the continent to promote sound economic policy, democracy and development.
To complement both missions is the notable Presence in the country for the parliamentary and local Councils elections 2021 is Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay
Amb Prof Jhazbhay is held in high esteem by Somalilanders courtesy of his vigorous campaign for the international recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
Prof Jhazbhay who coined the phrase phrase Somaliland, Africa’s best Kept Secret“ served for many years as the Somaliland representative in South Africa
At the Meeting with NEC the observer missions revealed that they shall be represented at the six and 23 electoral regions and districts.
It was further concurred and as per norms of such missions that LIEOM and the SEMM shall compile respective reports which will be handed to the electoral commission and released to the public after voting has been completed.
