Somaliland President, H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro held a high-level meeting on Sunday with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and leaders of the three National Political Parties – Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye – to discuss the preparedness for the upcoming parliament and local council polls scheduled for May 31, 2026. The President expressed his gratitude to the NEC and the political party leaders for attending this crucial meeting. He emphasized the importance of discussing the logistics and timing of the elections in order to ensure a smooth and fair process. The President also shared the NEC’s decision that the elections cannot be held on the agreed upon date due to major obstacles. These obstacles include widespread drought, security concerns, and disagreements among political stakeholders regarding the voter registration process. The NEC stated that they would need at least 10 months to properly prepare for the elections. This includes addressing technical issues, improving the quality of voter registration information, and modernizing election equipment. The three political parties have differing opinions on the NEC’s decision, with Kaah strongly opposing it while Kulmiye and Wadani have welcomed it. The President stressed the importance of national unity and togetherness, especially in light of Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, which has sparked animosity towards the country. He assured the political stakeholders that the government is prepared to fund the voter registration and election process. The President urged the parties to reach a consensus and ensure transparent, free, and fair elections that will be held peacefully.
