MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland heads to the polls on Wednesday, as voters choose between extending President Muse Bihi Abdi’s seven-year rule or replacing him with his vocal critic, opposition leader Abdirahman Irro, who has secured strong backing from the region’s political elite.
Voting will begin early Wednesday morning at polling stations across the breakaway region of northern Somalia, with public transportation halting late Tuesday to facilitate smooth voting operations until polls close.
International observers have been deployed to the breakaway region, which boasts a unique track record among Somali territories of holding free and fair elections and ensuring peaceful transfers of power on at least three occasions since its secession from Somalia in 1991.
President Muse Bihi Abdi has seen his popularity wane in recent years, owing to his handling of a range of issues, including the Lasanod conflict, rising inflation, skyrocketing food prices, widespread corruption, and a harsh police crackdown on dissent.
Bihi has been deserted by much of the country’s political elite, who have now thrown their support behind his rival. His Vice President, Abdirahman Saylici, a 14-year incumbent, has publicly endorsed Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro of the Waddani Party, calling on citizens to champion change.
While many political analysts in the breakaway region predict an imminent defeat for Bihi, the president urged citizens in a public address to vote in the country’s best interest, prioritizing recognition and stability above all else. He also pledged to accept defeat should it become unavoidable.
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