Somaliland, despite being internationally unrecognized, has made significant strides in political stability and democratic development since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991. The upcoming 2024 presidential election marks a pivotal moment in its journey, as the region continues to assert its autonomy amid complex regional dynamics. Here’s a closer look at the historical context, the political landscape, and what to expect in this critical election.
The 1991-2001 Period: No Formal Elections, Building the Foundation
From 1991 to 2001, Somaliland did not hold any formal elections, as the region was focused on rebuilding after the civil war and its unilateral declaration of independence from Somalia. The early years were marked by efforts to stabilize the country and form a functioning government. Somaliland’s first significant political event came in 2001, when a constitutional referendum was held, which saw 97% of voters approving a new constitution that laid the groundwork for future democratic processes.
Key Milestones in Somaliland’s Electoral History
2001 – Constitutional Referendum: Somaliland adopted its constitution, with 97% of voters approving the document. This marked a turning point in establishing Somaliland’s own political structure.
2002 – First Local Council Elections: This was the first multi-party election, setting the stage for more formalized political contestation.
2003 – First Presidential Election: Somaliland held its first presidential election, which marked the beginning of direct political competition. Three major political parties participated, setting a precedent for subsequent elections.
2005 – Parliamentary Elections: For the first time, voters elected members of the House of Representatives, ensuring direct political participation in legislative processes.
2008-2009 – Voter Registration and Biometric System: The introduction of biometric voter registration, including fingerprint recognition, was implemented to enhance electoral integrity.
2010 – Second Presidential Election: The second presidential election saw a peaceful transfer of power from the incumbent to the opposition, a significant achievement in Somaliland’s political maturation.
2012 – Local Council Elections: The introduction of new political parties added to the complexity of Somaliland’s political scene, with five new parties joining the existing ones.
2017 – Third Presidential Election: The introduction of an Iris Biometric System for voter registration ensured that the 2017 presidential election was one of the most secure and transparent in Somaliland’s history.
2024 Presidential Election: A Turning Point for Somaliland
The 2024 election is set to be a defining moment in Somaliland’s democratic trajectory. As Somaliland approaches this election, it will see the continuation of its multi-party political system. The three main parties in the race are:
Waddani Party: Led by Abdirahman Irro, Waddani is the main opposition party and advocates for political reform and the enhancement of civil liberties.
Kulmiye Party: The ruling party, with Muse Bihi Abdi running for re-election. Kulmiye has been in power since 2010 and has focused on infrastructure development and regional security.
UCID: A smaller opposition party, led by Faisal Ali Warabe, which has maintained a significant role in Somaliland’s political discourse despite its smaller base of support.
These three parties will compete for the presidency, each representing different visions for Somaliland’s future. The election will be a critical test of the region’s democratic processes, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s role in supporting Somaliland’s recognition through economic agreements, such as the Berbera Port Agreement signed in January 2024.
Ethiopia’s strategic agreement with Somaliland for access to the Berbera port has been hailed as a potential game-changer for Somaliland’s bid for international recognition. Ethiopia has long supported Somaliland’s quest for independence, and this agreement has placed additional pressure on Somalia, which still claims Somaliland as part of its territory. The 2024 election will therefore not just be a domestic event but a key moment in Somaliland’s geopolitical positioning.
Timeline and Key Electoral Events
1991-2001: No elections; the region focused on stabilization and the declaration of independence.
2001: Constitutional referendum (97% approval).
2002: Local council elections, the first multi-party elections.
2003: First presidential elections, with three major political parties.
2005: Parliamentary elections held for the first time.
2008-2009: Introduction of biometric voter registration.
2010: Second presidential election and peaceful transfer of power.
2012: Local council elections with new political parties participating.
2017: Third presidential election, marked by the introduction of the Iris Biometric System.
2024: Upcoming presidential election, with parties Waddani, Kulmiye, and UCID. Ethiopia’s Berbera Port Agreement and the broader geopolitical implications are critical to this election.
The 2024 presidential election in Somaliland is set to be a moment of significant change and reflection. As Somaliland continues to mature politically, it remains steadfast in its goals of independence and international recognition, with the outcome of this election potentially altering the course of its history. The peaceful, fair elections that have defined Somaliland’s electoral system over the past decades will once again be tested, as the region approaches a critical crossroads in its democratic journey.
