Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Wins Somaliland Presidential Election

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party has won the Somaliland presidential election, obtaining over 50% of the votes. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi received more than 30%. This election follows multiple delays and highlights Somaliland’s established governance despite lacking international recognition.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the leader of the opposition Waddani Party, has emerged victorious in the recent presidential election in Somaliland. According to the electoral commission, Abdullahi secured over 50% of the votes, marking a decisive win against the incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party, who received just above 30% of the vote. This election, delayed multiple times since 2022 due to funding challenges and other issues, demonstrates the resilience of Somaliland’s political framework amidst its ongoing quest for international recognition. The election took place on November 13, 2024, in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, where citizens actively participated in the democratic process, visibly displaying the Somaliland flag and expressing their national pride. Somaliland has maintained its own governance structures since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, despite ongoing struggles within Somalia itself. The political atmosphere in Somaliland stands in stark contrast to the instability and security challenges faced by the broader Somali region.

Somaliland, a self-declared independent state since 1991, has developed a functioning governance model, complete with its own currency and security systems, despite lacking formal international recognition. The region has faced numerous challenges, including political tension with Somalia, particularly over Somaliland’s agreements with countries such as Ethiopia to facilitate access to the Indian Ocean. These dynamics highlight the complexity of Somaliland’s political landscape and its aspirations for sovereignty and international legitimacy. The electoral progress made by the opposition reflects the gradual shifts occurring within this distinct political context.

The election of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi as President of Somaliland signifies a pivotal moment for the region, illustrating the ongoing strength of its political institutions and civil engagement. The substantial voter turnout and apparent democratic transition deviate from the turmoil observed in the larger Somalia, reaffirming Somaliland’s unique stance as a self-governing entity. As the political situation evolves, Somaliland’s internal governance and international relationships will remain crucial to its aspirations for recognition and stability.

Original Source: apnews.com