Somaliland parliamentary elections no longer feasible in December, Says NEC

Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced on Thursday that proceedings with the technical aspect of the election as scheduled are no longer feasible.

The forthcoming parliamentary and local council polls in Somaliland were scheduled for December this year.

In a press conference held in Hargeisa, NEC chairman, Eng. Abdikadir Iman Warsame, further said that responsibility for the election delay will be shared with the president and election stakeholders.

The three national parties in Somaliland recently signed a historic deal in which they settled election disputes, and arrived at an agreement which is to see the increase of NEC members from 7 to 9 that will be ratified by parliament.

The National Election Commission said that the time frame is not feasible and conducive to hold a free and fair poll. NEC commissioners mentioned that; prior to the election; voter registration is needed, as well as time for the candidates to campaign.
This will constitute another term extension to the House of Representatives who are in the parliament since 2005.