Somaliland elects a new President: Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis
Somaliland elects a new President
Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis,
Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt,
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, voters in the Republic of Somaliland went to the polls to elect a new President. Former Opposition Leader, Ahmed M. Mohamoud Silanyo, won the election, defeating two other candidates. The President-Elect obtained fifty per cent of the vote, while incumbent President, Dahir Riyale Kahin, garnered thirty-three per cent of the vote.
Above: From left, George Treheles, former Prime Minister Paul Martin, Thomas Gallant,
Michael Vitopoulos and MP Jim Karygiannis
According to the National Election Commission and international observers, the election was largely free and fair, despite a few irregularities. Voter turn out was high although Islamist militants had threatened to disrupt the process but no incidents were reported. The Presidential election had been frequently delayed, prompting concern by political parties, Somalilanders, supporters of Somaliland and the international Diaspora, over the emerging democracy.
As the Chair of the Canada-Somaliland Parliamentary Friendship Group, I want to congratulate the President-Elect on his victory. I have met with the President-Elect on a number of occasions and during my trips to Somaliland, and know him to be a fair and forthright politician.
Somaliland gained independence from Britain in 1960 and joined Somalia. The region then broke away in 1991 after the fall of Somali dictator Mohammed Siad Barre. Although Somaliland now has its own justice system, currency, security and police forces, the region has yet to gain international recognition. The President-Elect has stated that, upon assuming office, one of his priorities will be international recognition of Somaliland.
Having worked on many occasions with the Somaliland Diaspora in Canada, I know the community watched the election results with great interest. The Diaspora in Canada believes that this demonstrates the progress of democracy in the region.
President-Elect Silanyo and his cabinet are expected to be sworn in by July 26, 2010.
Kathy Gooch
Executive Assistant
Hon. Jim Karygiannis, M.P.
Scarborough-Agincourt
206-3850 Finch Avenue East
Scarborough, Ontario M1T 3T6
Tel: (416) 321-5454
Fax: (416) 321-5456
Email: kathy@karygiannismp.com
Website: www.karygiannismp.com