Hargeysa(Mogadishu24)-Hilac Party leader, Prof. Ahmed Ismail Samatar, has called on Somaliland’s Electoral Commission to conduct fair and transparent elections in the upcoming presidential election.

During his campaign tour in Gebiley on Monday, Prof. Samatar expressed deep concerns about the situation in Somaliland, particularly in Awdal and Selel regions.

The Professor emphasized that all Somaliland citizens should have the freedom to participate in the elections without being limited by political divisions. He highlighted the detrimental impact of political divisions on the unity and coexistence of the people of Somaliland.

“The challenges in Awdal and Gebiley regions are substantial. As the Hilaac Party, we have two simple requests: that the elections be open to all parties without favouritism, and that they remain accessible to all Somaliland parties. This is what Awdal and Gebiley regions are advocating for. If we don’t achieve open and transparent elections, the problems in these regions and the entire country will escalate,” Prof. Samatar stated.

Prof. Samatar has reaffirmed his commitment to working with any democratically elected leaders if the elections will be free and fair.

“If we lose the elections fairly, we will collaborate with the elected government for the benefit of our people and nation,” he added.

In recent weeks, the professor has been actively addressing issues related to Somaliland’s political situation and its pursuit of international recognition.

He accused the government of contributing to the escalating conflicts in parts of Somaliland, which, according to him, have hindered Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition.

“Because of these challenges, our quest for international recognition has been hindered. It has become increasingly difficult to achieve, and it is no longer a topic of discussion. Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition is on the verge of collapse, and this is a matter that requires serious attention,” Prof. Samatar said earlier.

Dr. Ahmed Ismail Samatar is a prominent Somaliland politician and is currently the James Wallace Professor and Dean of the Institute for Global Citizenship at Macalester College.

He has previously lectured at numerous universities and colleges, including Cornell, Harvard, Iowa, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Somali National University, Toronto, the University of Amsterdam, York, the University of Otago, and Wellesley College.