Somalilandsun: As the natonal elections commission-NEC enters the final preparation stages for the 31st May Parliamentary and local Councils elections, sufficient security has been assured.
According to the Somaliland police Commissioner Brigadier General Mohamed Mohamed Aden Sagadhi ‘Dabagale’ the force is ready and prepared fo provide all necessary security during both campaigns and ballot.
Gen Dabagale who was addressing a training workshop on election fundamentals for police Officers also warned that wift action shall be taken against anyone found breaking the law
The remark by the police boss was directed specifically to candidates in the elections some of whom are already in custody pending treason charges.
Though it is yet to be made public, sources indicate that NEC shall be availed 7000 officers adding that “this will be in addition to police officrs on regular duties”
As the nation gets everything set for the 31st May parliamentary and Local council election, the police force is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of polling station” says Gen Dabagale adding that all shall be pursued to ensure that the Somaliland international credinilty as a bastion of democracy and regular , credible, free & fair elections is maintained.
According to the seven member Natonal Elections Commission the police performed superbly at 120 centres during the incident free voter registration exercise.
The exercise culminated with the registration a d subsequent issue of cards to 1,297,838 registered voters.
” following the successful voter registration exercise in which the police facilitated apt security at the 120 registration centres nationwide NEC is satisfied that 1,642 polling stations shall be served similarly” said the electoral body’s chair Commisoner Eng Eng Abdirashid Riyo
A few pointers to the first ever joint parliamentary and local Councils elections in Somaliland
- Six electoral regions and 23 district electoral regions
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. There are 82 parliametary and 249 local Councils seats in contest.
- As per Constitutional dictates there only three National political parties registered at any given time. Currently the three are Ruling Kulmiye and opposition UCID and Wadani.
- Each party has nominated 82 candidates for parliament in the six electoral regional thus a total of 246.
- Of the total 246 Member of parliament aspirants only 11 are women
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At the civic level there are 249 seats contested by over 700 candidates representing the three parties.
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Polling stations 1,642
The electoral body, Government and political parties as well as other Somaliland democratization stakeholders have on several occasions reaffirmed commitment to a timely, free and fair ballot come the May 31st Elections
In this regard the seven commissions have regularly stated that ” NEC recognises this unique opportunity for Somaliland to reinforce its commitment to democratic principles and will continue to work tirelessly with all local, national, international, and non-governmental bodies to ensure that the upcoming elections are seamless and that outcomes are free, fair, and fully transparent and meet international and regional standards.”
