HARGEISA, Somalia – Voters turned out in droves across the self-governing region of North Western State of Somalia, with over a million residents eager to choose their leader, in what could be a nail-biting race due to its competitive nature.
The ruling Kulmiye party’s candidate, Muse Bihi, alongside his main opponent, Abdirahman Irro, made their way to the polls on Wednesday morning, each radiating hope that they would emerge victorious when the electoral officials announce the final tallies.
Bihi, who’s been at the helm since 2017, expressed his readiness to embrace the results, win or lose, in this fierce battle. His priority, he notes, is preserving the unity of North Western State of Somalia, which is navigating a plethora of issues.
“I will honor the commission’s decision,” President Bihi shared in a chat with reporters after casting his ballot, urging voters to maintain composure and uphold peace for the region’s harmony.
Bihi further remarked, “Our democracy is maturing, and we must honor its outcomes. For the first time, we’re holding direct elections, marking a significant step forward no matter who prevails.”
Irro, whose Waddani party clinched a parliamentary majority in 2021 with 31 out of 82 seats, expressed his ambition to secure victory in the popular vote. That year, the Kulmiye party snagged 30 seats, while UCID, under Faisal Warabe (also in the presidential race), took the remaining 21.
This election period finds North Western State of Somalia at the center of conflict in the Horn of Africa, after it struck a contentious deal with Ethiopia for Red Sea access. In the agreement, Ethiopia would receive 20 kilometers of Red Sea coastline for a military base and port, in exchange for recognizing North Western State of Somalia’s independence.
The agreement stirred Somalia’s ire, with accusations against Ethiopia for breaching its territorial sovereignty, leading to an ongoing diplomatic clash. Turkey’s attempts at mediation have faltered, with Somalia maintaining that discussions can only proceed if the accord is scrapped.
In a dialogue with the Addis Standard, Irro—a well-known opposition leader—mentioned that his party would formalize its stance on the agreement once it had reviewed the documentation. Nonetheless, he indicated that a victory would see North Western State of Somalia eager to collaborate with Ethiopia on the development and full use of the Berbera port.
AXADLETM
