Tallying process underway in Somaliland presidential elections

A woman votes in Somaliland’s third presidential elections since 2003. ( Photo courtesy)

By Abdirahman Khalif (Kamal )

The tallying process of presidential votes is still underway in the capital of Somaliland, Hargeisa following yesterday’s elections.

There was high voter turnout in most of Somaliland major towns despite the high temperatures experienced in the region, long queues were seen in polling centers.

Abdikadir Iman Warsame, the election commission chairman said “The counting process  may take a couple of days before it finishes and the results announced, it can be between 16th and 18th of this month”.

Social media was suspended and is expected to last several days until results are announced to curb speculations of the elections results.

There were no incidents of violence, unrest or disruption reported in the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland.

Muse Bihi of the ruling Kulmiye party and opposition leaders Abdirahman Iro and Faysal Ali Warabe, who was defeated in a previous election in 2010 are contesting for the country’s top seat.

The polls in this country were delayed for two years due to drought and technical isssues, the incumbent Ahmed Mohamud Silaanyo is not seeking re-election.

The northern territory, which declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, hopes its third presidential election will bolster its democratic credentials and strengthen the case for independence from its troubled neighbor.