More than 1 million Somalis in the self-declared republic of Somaliland cast their votes Wednesday in a presidential election, with the potential for international recognition hanging in the balance, Al Jazeera reports.
The election, held at over 2,000 polling stations, sees incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party seeking a second term after seven years in office. He has championed Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, a goal shared by his rivals.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party, campaigning on a platform of democratic reforms and social cohesion, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party, advocating for a national unity government, are vying to unseat Bihi.
The vote was originally scheduled for 2022, but legislators extended Bihi’s term by two years.
Somaliland, strategically located near the Red Sea on the northwest point of Somalia, declared independence in 1991, achieving relative peace and stability compared to the rest of the country. It has its own currency, passports, and army, but lacks international recognition, hindering access to international finance and restricting travel for its six million people.
The government in the capital, Hargeisa, is hoping to finalize a controversial deal with neighboring Ethiopia. Signed in January, the agreement would grant Ethiopia sea access in exchange for an “in-depth assessment” of Somaliland’s recognition. This deal has sparked anger in Somalia, which views it as a violation of its sovereignty and fears potential conflict. However, neither opposition candidate has criticized the agreement.
The election results are also being watched closely in Washington. Somaliland is optimistic that the incoming Trump administration will reconsider its longstanding recognition of Mogadishu’s sovereignty over Somaliland. Several key State Department officials during Trump’s first term have publicly expressed support for recognizing Somaliland.
