Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has issued a decree banning the use of public resources, civil servants, and military personnel in election campaigns ahead of the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for November 13.
The decree, announced Friday night, instructs officials to ensure that political parties receive equal access to government resources and media during the election period. It specifically tasks the Minister of Information with guaranteeing balanced coverage of all political parties and the Minister of Internal Affairs with maintaining order and ensuring candidates’ safety.
“It is strictly forbidden for public resources or personnel, including the armed forces, to be utilized for campaigning,” the decree declared.
This directive comes as the official election campaign begins in Somaliland, amidst growing political tension. Recently, two deputy ministers resigned from the ruling Kulmiye Party, switching their support to opposition candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), signaling a shift in the political landscape.