Breakaway Somaliland hold its third presidential poll
Breakaway Somaliland hold its third presidential poll
Residents of the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland voted
Monday in its third presidential poll, hoping to prove its democratic
credentials and strengthen the case for independence from troubled Somalia.
The northern territory, which is more tribally homogenous
and stable than the rest of Somalia, broke away in 1991 and has been striving
to attain international recognition ever since.
Three candidates are running for the state's top office,
seasoned politicians Muse Bihi of the ruling Kulmiye party and opposition
candidates Abdirahman Iro and Faysal Ali Warabe, who was defeated in previous
elections in 2010.
"The procedure started peacefully this morning and we
are confident that this election is going to be a milestone for the entire
region," said Iro as he voted.
FIVE YEARS
Elections are meant to be held every five years, however the
poll was delayed for two years due to drought and other technical issues.
Incumbent Ahmed Mohamud Silaanyo is not seeking re-election.
Somaliland's history of peaceful, credible elections and
democratic transition sets it apart from anarchic southern Somalia, and indeed
much of east Africa.
Somalia's election earlier this year saw a president chosen
via a limited electoral process that saw handpicked clan elders choosing
delegates who were allowed to vote.
TV DEBATE
Ahead of the Somaliland election, the three main candidates
held a televised debate to present their political agendas, focusing on the
economy, jobs and international recognition.
"This is a very critical election ... for the youth,
they need a leader who can develop the economy and bring jobs so that everybody
can stay their country to enjoy their lives," said university student
Ismail Mohamed.
BIOMETRIC
The vote is set to be the most sophisticated yet with some
700,000 voters registered using biometric eye scanners which will identify them
before they cast their ballots.
A decision by authorities to shut all social media when
polling stations close at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) was criticised by Human Rights
Watch last week.
Said Ali Muse, spokesman for the national electoral
commission, said the move was necessary to prevent interference from outside
the borders of the semi-autonomous state and speculation over results.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, won independence
in 1960 but days later joined with Somalia.
In 1991, after years of bitter war with the government in
Mogadishu, it declared independence from the rest of the country.
My opinion:
In my opinion, I think that it is good for Somaliland to be
voting in their new president. I feel like if they do this, they will get
recognition from the world that they are their own nation. I don’t think that
the whole process of not letting them leave for this entire time is quite
unfair and cruel. Also the people of Somaliland are trying to do this as
painlessly as possible, which shows deep care for their cause.
Bias:
I think that there is bias towards the people of Somaliland.
This article touches on a lot of how they have not been allowed to leave the
rest of Somalia. While reading this, I feel for the people who want their
independence so badly. I think that these feeling that I get, as do others,
contribute to the bias towards the people of Somaliland and against the people
of Somalia.
Audience: I think that the audience of this article is the
Somalians – all of them, including the ones trying to get their independence –
who are at the age of voting. This article really just concerns the people who
will be involved in the voting process. However, it might also be trying to get
outside help to ensure safety and fairness in this voting poll.
Purpose: the purpose of this article is to inform people on
Somalian politics, and give background information on their history and also to
give current news on what I happening in the elections today.
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