Brenthurst Foundation Observes “Free, Fair, and Credible” Somaliland Elections Amidst Challenges

The Brenthurst Foundation has released its comprehensive report on Somaliland’s 2024 presidential and political organizations elections, held on November 13. The elections marked the ninth competitive poll since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The mission highlighted the significant strides Somaliland has made in fostering democratic practices in a volatile region, while also addressing the logistical and political hurdles that accompanied this year’s elections.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Resilience

Since its self-declared independence, Somaliland has emerged as an outlier in East Africa, cultivating a functional democratic system despite the lack of international recognition. Its historical journey—from the destruction wrought by Somalia’s Siad Barre regime to the establishment of an inclusive multiparty system—has earned it a reputation as a beacon of stability in a tumultuous region.

Somaliland’s three-party system, enshrined in its constitution, continues to serve as a cornerstone of its democratic framework. However, this election faced heightened scrutiny due to political tensions stemming from delayed polls and agreements with neighboring Ethiopia.

Key Features of the 2024 Election

This year’s elections were distinct in several respects:

1. Simultaneous Presidential and Party Elections: For the first time, elections determined both the presidency and the recognition of political parties, with seven new associations vying to replace the incumbent three-party slate.
2. Delayed Timeline: Opposition parties criticized President Muuse Biixi Cabdi for extending his term, initially scheduled to end in 2022, alleging a deliberate delay to maintain power.
3. Technological Advancements: The deployment of IRIS biometric verification at over 1,000 polling stations marked a significant technological milestone, although its coverage remained limited to urban areas.

Despite these challenges, 1.2 million registered voters participated in the process, with more than 13,000 officials facilitating the election across 2,648 stations.

Election Day Observations

The Brenthurst Foundation deployed 20 international observers across four key districts: Hargeisa, Borama, Burao, and Berbera, covering 26% of the electorate. Observers noted the following:

• Peaceful Conduct: Voting was largely orderly, with polling stations opening on time and being efficiently managed. The prominent participation of women, both as voters and officials, was a standout feature.
• Adherence to Procedures: Voter identification, ballot allocation, and counting processes were rigorously followed. Party agents actively monitored and verified results at polling stations.
• Technology in Action: The IRIS biometric system functioned effectively in most locations, with staff cross-checking entries against physical voter rolls to ensure accuracy.
• Security Challenges: Minor incidents of crowd control occurred in Hargeisa and Burao, requiring police intervention. However, these disruptions were swiftly managed, allowing voting to proceed.

Assessment and Credibility

The report lauded Somaliland’s electoral commission for conducting a transparent process despite limited financial and logistical resources. The elections were deemed “free, fair, and credible,” with improvements noted in areas such as voter verification, lighting, and the efficiency of counting compared to the 2021 elections.

However, the mission acknowledged areas for improvement, including the exclusion of underage voters, enhanced crowd control, and better accommodation for voters with disabilities.

Recommendations for Future Elections

The Brenthurst Foundation proposed 11 recommendations to strengthen Somaliland’s electoral process:

1. Maintain NEC Independence: Ensuring the commission’s impartiality remains critical.
2. Equal Treatment of Observers: Local observers should receive the same support as international missions.
3. Address Underage Voting: Voter rolls should be scrutinized to eliminate discrepancies.
4. Ban Election-Day Campaigning: A clear prohibition on politicking during voting would enhance integrity.
5. Expand Biometric Coverage: The IRIS system should be extended nationwide and supported with reliable power sources.
6. Improve Crowd Management: Better marshaling outside polling stations is essential to prevent crushes.
7. Enhance Transparency: Publishing polling station results on-site would align with global best practices.
8. Monitor Political Financing: Transparent reporting of funding sources is necessary to level the playing field.
9. Promote Policy-Based Campaigning: Candidates should focus on issues rather than identity-based politics.

Challenges and Regional Dynamics

Somaliland’s agreement with Ethiopia earlier this year to lease coastal land near Berbera sparked tensions, both domestically and with Somalia. The report highlighted concerns over external funding influencing opposition parties and the resulting destabilization of the political landscape. Despite these pressures, the election demonstrated Somaliland’s resilience and its commitment to democratic ideals.

Conclusion

The Brenthurst Foundation commended Somaliland for its achievements in holding credible elections under challenging circumstances. While external recognition of its independence remains elusive, Somaliland continues to set an example for democratic governance in the Horn of Africa. Strengthening electoral processes and addressing political tensions will be vital as the region looks to the future.