Somaliland’s recent presidential election has highlighted the political and geopolitical stakes that have plagued the region for decades. The election process, which passed off without incident last Wednesday, pitted incumbent President Muse Bihi against his challengers Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party and Faisal Ali Warabe of the smaller UCID party.
Vote counting teams are now getting down to business, with preliminary results expected by the end of the week and final results in about a week. The election was marked by an agreement granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of coastline on the Gulf of Aden in exchange for recognition, a deal that has sparked controversy and outrage in Somalia, which sees it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Amid regional rivalries, Somalia has sought support from Egypt and Eritrea to counter Addis Ababa’s influence. Despite its autonomy for over thirty years, no country has yet recognized Somaliland’s independence. Regional leaders hope that this election will mark a significant step toward international recognition, paving the way for a new era of stability and development for the country.
However, challenges remain for Somaliland, particularly in governance, social justice, and the fight against corruption. Voters expect elected leaders to commit to promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting economic development for all.
In this complex and changing context, the outcome of this election will have significant implications not only for Somaliland, but for the region as a whole. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities. It is essential that elected leaders face these challenges with courage and determination, and work together to build a better future for all the people of Somaliland.