Northeastern State’s security forces seize Somaliland’s ballot papers before the region’s ballots
AXADLE, Northeastern State – Authorities in Northeastern State have seized ballot boxes intended for elections in Somaliland, which started today [Monday], as the head of the Separation Region for local and parliamentary elections for the first time in 16 years.
North Western of Somalialast held parliamentary elections in 2005 and civic votes in 2012. Since then, the breakaway region has not yet held elections but the importance of Monday’s votes, which has attracted international attention with the presence of many observers.
But Northeastern State, a state in northern Somalia, claimed that authorities seized ballot boxes and election papers in North Western of Somalianear the Erigavo district, located in the Sanag region, which has been the subject of controversy between Hargeisa and Garowe.
While western North Western of Somaliaclaimed independence in 1991, some regions such as Sanaag and Sool bordering Northeastern State have never appreciated the separatist ideology and have always supported greater Somalia.
Northeastern State’s government radio reported that security forces seized ballot boxes destined for cities in the Sanaag region ahead of today’s parliamentary and local elections in Somaliland. Authorities moved dozens of ballot boxes to the media.
It is not clear whether Northeastern State has contacted Somaliland’s authorities about the incident, which could raise questions about the integrity of the exercise. North Western of Somaliaseeks to prove to the world that it is a symbol of democracy as it fights for international recognition.
Several observers have already arrived in North Western of Somaliawhere they will monitor the exercise. A number of paid media stations, mainly from Kenya, also report events in Hargeisa live during the election.
Vice Prime Minister Mahdi Gulaid congratulated the people of North Western of Somaliaon the forthcoming election of the City Council and House of Representatives on May 31, 2021. Guled, Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister for more than four years, supports the outgoing president who failed to hold 1P1V elections in Somalia.
North Western of Somaliapoliticians hold top positions in the Somali government, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Senate Speakers, as well as ministers representing the northern regions.
More than 1 million voters are expected to elect 82 MPs and 212 civic leaders in an election in which several politicians launched intense campaigns. The ruling Kulmiye party is facing tough competition from Wadani and UCID parties fighting to control the People’s House.
AXADLETM
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