Hargeisa(Mogadishu24)-The University College London’s International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) has released its preliminary assessment of Somaliland’s 13 November 2024 presidential and political party elections. Led by Tim Cole, a former UK ambassador, the mission was invited by Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) to provide an impartial review of the electoral process.

“Our preliminary assessment is that the elections took place in a mostly calm and peaceful environment, allowing registered voters to exercise their democratic rights,” said Tim Cole, Chief Observer of the IEOM.

The mission observed polling activities across Somaliland’s six regions, visiting 146 polling stations and monitoring ballot counting and tallying.

Comprising 28 observers from 13 countries, including Germany, Kenya, Spain, and Zambia, the IEOM noted no major irregularities or electoral malpractice. However, procedural and administrative inconsistencies were highlighted, suggesting a need for enhanced training for election officials.

Key recommendations include:

• Upholding the secrecy of the vote in future elections.
• Updating the voter register closer to elections to ensure accuracy.
• Improving voter education on election procedures.

The IEOM emphasized the importance of these improvements to strengthen Somaliland’s electoral process. A small team of observers will remain in Somaliland to monitor the post-election period until results are officially declared. A final report is expected in the first half of 2025.

Over 1.2 million voters participated in the elections to choose Somaliland’s president, deputy, and political parties, underscoring the region’s commitment to democratic practices.