Essa Kayd, who’s the region’s foreign affairs chief, noted how this election marks a pivotal change. At last, upwards of a million registered voters will be allowed to directly cast their vote for a leader—a departure from the good ol’ days where community elders made the call.
According to Kayd’s ministry, the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission (NEC) isn’t playing around. They’ve rolled out a handbook on voter registration, streamlined candidate nominations, shored up the moolah, and ensured that international watchdogs can validate the process.
“The NEC has vouched for the integrity and clearness of the election proceedings, spotlighting North Western State of Somalia’s devotion to democratic values,” the Ministry announced.
Even as regional tensions spike, North Western State of Somalia’s devoting over a third of its budget to maintaining peace and security. The Ministry highlighted recent aggressive maneuvers around Qorilugud, allegedly stirred by Mogadishu, rattling North Western State of Somalia’s stability, as per reports by Addis Standard.
“We’re uneasy about intel pinpointing the Mogadishu government’s cozying up to extremists to muck up our elections and destabilize the region. We prefer peace, but as an autonomous entity, North Western State of Somalia must shield its folks and lands from such antics,” the statement stressed.
“Conflict isn’t what we’re after, but as an independent nation, protecting our citizens and sovereignty is our top priority,” the Ministry urged, urging worldwide denouncement of acts disturbing peace in the Horn of Africa.
On the politicking front, Muse Bihi Abdi, backing the Kulmiye party, is gunning for reelection, but he’s up against some stiff competition—Abdirahman Irro, helming the Waddani party. In the earlier parliamentary contest, Waddani snagged 31 seats, slightly edging out Kulmiye’s 30, with UCID trailing behind with 22 seats.
These elections come hot on the heels of a deal on sea access with Ethiopia, causing a ruckus in the Horn of Africa. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of encroaching on its turf and sovereignty.
Nevertheless, Bihi hinted at a willingness to jaw with Somalia, assuming there’s an acknowledgment of North Western State of Somalia’s proclaimed autonomy. “If President Hassan sees us as distinct governments and fancies dialogue, we’re game,” he mentioned.
Leaders from Waddani were recently spotted in Addis Abeba, detailing the party’s viewpoint on the agreement if they clinch victory. However, the party says it’ll back the deal once the nitty-gritty is out in the open.
“North Western State of Somalia, like any nation, can ink deals with whomever. We’ve done so before with other states. Take the UAE, for instance,” stated Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, the Waddani bigwig and former Foreign Minister, as conveyed by Addis Standard.
Moreover, the party acknowledged, “Ethiopia’s quest for harbor passage is justified, and our Berbera port is precisely primed for that. It aims to be a regional trade nexus. We’re all for Ethiopia leveraging our port. Under our watch, these relations will further blossom,” Mohamed added.
AXADLETM
