It is necessary to have agreed procedure or system in place for a government to run a country. Regrettably, this government is not working as a team with each other and if this existing situation is not brought to an end now, it will have substantial consequences, Mr. Abdirahman said.
The president’s spokes person speaking on Mr. Abdirahman comments said “Mr. Abdirahman has always been a supporter of this government’s policy before it came to power and still is. The spokes person for the president continued on and said,” I’m very surprised with the comments coming from Mr. Abdirahman because he has always been a close friend to the president, he was a man with principles that never preached about tribal and/or ethnic issues, hence, it saddens me to hear this baseless remarks from him”.

Somalilandpress

Somaliland has peacefully inaugurated its 4th President, and the second directly elected President since the restoration of sovereignty in 1991.

After a free and fair election on the 26th of June, 50 years after Somaliland independence from the United Kingdom, Somaliland has once again successfully transferred power from one elected President Dahir Riyale Kahin to another President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud.

This peaceful transfer of power should not come as a surprise to old Somaliland hands because this de-facto state has a strong background in democratic principles. In Somaliland, the voice and votes of the people are the final arbiters in the political arena.

This year the people of Somaliland voted for a change in government, and the incumbent President, Dahir Rayale Kahin, to his eternal credit gracefully accepted the result, whilst the new President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud has so far demonstrated remarkable magnanimity, just as he did in accepting the results of the 2003 contest, when he lost by a mere 80 votes.

The recent elections and this peaceful transfer of power is the result of Somaliland´s home grown formula of dialogue, discussion and consensus. A formula based on mutual respect, tolerance, inclusiveness and above all, a final consensus on what is good for the nation and its citizens.

There are some cynics who would say that Somaliland´s smooth transfer of power is due to the fact that Somaliland is not yet a de-jure state, ergo, “there is not much at stake for the politicians to squabble and fight over”.

It is true that Somaliland has not yet received de-jure recognition, but, the people and the political leadership of Somaliland always put the interest of the country above their own.

To lose an election, for a politician, is never an easy thing. It is not easy on the ego, the access, the prestige or the pocket. But, there is no greater sign of political maturity and personal self-respect than to accept the wishes of people, behave with dignity and hand over responsibility to the newly elected officials. The old maxim still applies “You win some, you lose some, but the state carries on”.

In Somaliland, on the 26th of June 2010, the voting public, the candidates, the elections commission and all those involved on this particular election conducted themselves with honour and dignity.

On the 27th of July 2010, in a peaceful handover of power both the outgoing and incoming governments conducted themselves with maturity and dignity.

It is time for the international community, and in particular the AU, currently meeting in terrorist attacked Kampala to open their eyes, but aside their envy and join the people of Somaliland.

Somaliland has long and hard road ahead, and it has been this way since 1960 and 1991. The people and the political leadership are not afraid of hard work and hard decisions. In a country where tolerance, inclusion and consensus are the main ingredients in nation building, long roads and tough decisions are nothing to fear

Source/Ahmed Khyre

American Chronicle

U.S. Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya

Press Release

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Nairobi, July 7, 2010 – The United States government commends the people of Somaliland, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and the political parties for conducting a peaceful election on June 26.  Reports indicate that the election proceedings were generally peaceful and orderly.

The high voter turnout indicates that the citizens of Somaliland are determined to exercise their rights.  Observers indicate that the June 26 election process was largely free and fair.

The election marks an important milestone for the people of Somaliland.  We congratulate the winner and commend the other candidates for their statesmanlike acceptance of the results.

The United States urges the people of Somaliland to sustain their efforts to see this process through to a peaceful conclusion, with the swearing-in of the winner in approximately thirty days.

Source/HOL

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

Autonomous state of Somaliland held its presidential elections with thousands of people coming out to vote despite threats from Islamist rebels, al-Shabab. Many voters saw the election as a fresh opportunity to demonstrate their aspiring but unrecognised state’s democratic credentials.

Holding a nationalistic vision of a unified Somalia, Al-Shabab was expected to disrupt the electoral process in the sovereignty seeking region. Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and is not recognized by Somalia nor the international community as an independent state.

Reports claimed that al-Shabab had warned voters to stay at home, leading many to suspect that they [al-Shabab] could try to interrupt the elections. Should this election go well, observers believe the case for an independent Somaliland, a largely peaceful region with an effective administration, would be strengthened.

The Islamist extremists group had issued an audio message last week describing democratic elections as the devil’s principles. AL-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, a native of Somaliland, warned the breakaway state’s population that they would “face the consequences” if they cast their ballot.

And although people of Somaliland expressed some fears International monitors say people defied warnings from the Islamist Al Shabaab group by casting ballots in a presidential poll they hope will bolster their aspirations for a separate, internationally recognized state. Dozens of international observers were in the region to watch the vote and reported no violence or fraud.

Security had been beefed up ahead of the vote: “All our country’s forces are locking the borders. Movements and transport inside Somaliland are also forbidden except for those authorised by the national election commission (NEC),” Police Chief Mohamed Saqadi Dubad was quoted.

Somalia’s western-backed President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who congratulated the people of Somaliland for their peaceful election in a radio broadcast but urged them to “keep the unity of Somalia in mind”, a move that highlights a similar vision with al-Shabab which believes that an independent Somaliland undermines a unified Somalia.

(AFP) – 2 hours ago

HARGEYSA, Somaliland — Observers said Monday the weekend presidential poll in the breakaway Somali republic of Somaliland was largely free and fair and turnout high despite threats from Islamists.

“Overall, the election seems to have met conditions for a free and fair expression of the popular will of Somalilanders,” said Progressio, the University College of London’s development planning unit, and Somaliland Focus (UK).

The observer bodies praised in a statement a high voter turnout on Saturday in many areas of Somaliland “despite threats from Islamist militant groups to disrupt the process, which thankfully came to nothing”.

They also raised concerns, however, citing “reported misuse of public resources, including vehicles, the time of civil servants and national public media by the incumbent party”.

They also noted “sustained attempts at underage voting and systematic distribution of voter ID cards by unauthorised agents”, the statement said, adding officials from the electoral commission took steps to stop those abuses.

The observer mission said it “looks forward to a speedy and clear result in the election that is accepted by all parties”.

“Notwithstanding the concerns outlined above, we express our confidence that the election process to date is likely to result in a free and fair expression of the popular will.”

Electoral commission chief Isse Yusuf Mohamud said meanwhile there had not so far been any official complaint from any of the political parties.

“The counting process continues and results will be announced during the week,” he said.

President Dahir Riyale Kahin ran against two opposition candidates: Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo, whose Kulmiye party is the largest parliamentary bloc, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare party.

Somaliland, which is more tribally homogenous than the rest of Somalia, has been striving for international recognition since it broke away in 1991.

Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

Ahmed Kheyre

June 28, 2010

On the 50th anniversary of Somaliland´s independence from the United Kingdom on the 26th of June, 1960, The Republic of Somaliland has held its second directly elected Presidential contest since reclaiming sovereignty in 1991.

A large voter turn out across the country has put to rest the notion that Somaliland should not take its place among the sovereign nations of the world. It is clear, even to the most obtuse opponents of Somaliland; the people have spoken despite threats from Islamic fundamentalist, rag-tag militias in the southeast and other sundry non-entities of the region.

Somaliland has once again, for the umpteenth time, shown its political maturity and democratic credentials. It is time for the international community to come to its senses and recognize Somaliland, as not only a de-facto state, but a de-jure state.

So much has been made of the lack of international recognition, but, there is no denying the wishes of the people of Somaliland. If these voters are willing to go the polling station at 3 am, four hours before the voting commences, travel from overseas just to vote, or show their courage and commitment in the face of terrorist threats, then, the international community which places so much emphasis on democracy, will have to recognize Somaliland´s de-jure recognition.

For the first time in Somaliland, and for that matter the defunct Somali Republic, free and fair elections have been held using modern technology, a complete voter list, free media and under the watchful eye of international observers. How many nations across the globe can boast such credentials, let alone an unrecognised nation?

Billions and billions have been spent on Somalia, yet, murder and mayhem continue in Mogadishu with no respite in site. In contrast, Somaliland has, through it´s tried and test formula of dialogue, discussion and consensus just held its second free and fair presidential elections in seven years, with a budget less then 10 million dollars.

It is clear, that Somaliland and its people have embarked on a journey which will determine that nation´s destiny once and for all.

It is time for winner to be magnanimous, the vanquished to be gracious, and for the international community to acknowledge the truth, Somaliland is a beacon of peace, hope and democracy in the Horn of Africa and deserves de-jure recognition.

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Ahmed Kheyre

Ahmed Kheyre is an independent journalist from Somaliland.

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HARGEISA, Somaliland— Voters in Somaliland queued for hours and thronged polling stations Saturday for the second presidential election held in the self-declared republic, in a peaceful exercise in governance not seen for decades in the country’s anarchic south.

Voters and candidates said they hope this vote will award Somaliland the international recognition it seeks. The three men vying to become president of the region have all promised to seek international recognition for the autonomous region.

“The election is very crucial for the future of Somaliland,” said President Dahir Riyale Kahin as he voted Saturday morning. “It a bridge to a long-awaited international recognition.”

Saturday’s election also coincides with the 50-year anniversary of independence for Somaliland, a former British protectorate. The province was only independent for five days before joining Somalia on July 1, 1960.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has been a haven of relative peace in northwest Somalia as southern Somalia has degenerated into chaos and anarchy. The region has its own security and police forces, justice system and currency, but is not recognized by any other state.

All three candidates, who include Kahin, Ahmed Mohamud Silanyo and Feysal Ali Warabe, have also promised to maintain the region’s security and economic development.

Warabe said that while he believes his party deserves to win, he will accept the results given by the national election board.

“I am now ready endorse if any one of us wins by one vote,” he said.

Residents also said they hope the vote will win more respect for the region and maintain the peace that has eluded southern Somalia since the 1991 ouster of longtime dictator Mohamed Siad Barre by warlords.

Business student Sarah Jama said she was concerned about unemployment levels, but that she based her vote on a desire for peace.

“Inasmuch as we need change, we must maintain the peace we enjoy,” she said. “We are very scared of what has happened in countries around us, like southern Somalia.”

Omar Ali, 32, an electrician and father of seven, traveled from Libya to vote for the first time.

“I think the election is very beautiful and I support the Somaliland elections so that they can be peaceful and fair,” he said.

He added, “I believe at the rate things are going in Somaliland, the future will be bright for my children, where they will be more interested in their country and not go abroad.”

Officials said polls were orderly on Saturday, but that the masses of voters kept polls open a few minutes after closing time. Results are expected in a week.

“The process has ended peacefully, and the polling stations were supposed to close at 7 p.m. (1600GMT), but they extended for fifteen more minutes because people were in queues and we had serve them,” said Issa Ahmed Hamari, chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Somaliland.

The vote was closely watched by dozens of international observers.

One observer, Steve Kibble of the British organization Progressio, said the campaign “has generally been peaceful and good-natured.”

The candidates agreed to hold campaign rallies on different days in order to avoid bouts of violence between supporters. More than 1.6 million people have registered to vote at more than 1,000 polling sites.

Kahin, leader of the Democratic United National party, or Udub, was elected president in 2003 with 42.08 percent of ballots cast in an election won by 80 votes.

Somaliland’s second presidential election has been frequently delayed. It was first scheduled for 2008, and then for 2009.

Source/ Associated Press Writer Samson Haileyesus contributed to this report.

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There has been a strong turnout for the presidential election in Somaliland, in spite of threats by Islamist militants.

International monitors say people have formed queues at many polling stations of the self-proclaimed state.

The government closed the country’s borders amid fears that Islamists from neighbouring Somalia could try to disrupt the elections.

The Islamist group al-Shabaab had warned voters to stay at home.

Earlier this week, the group had issued an audio message, describing democratic elections as “the devil’s principles”.

Hope for recognitionThe Somaliland government had asked voters to ignore the warning.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and is not recognised internationally as an independent state.

Security had been beefed up ahead of today’s voteBBC analyst Martin Plaut says that the country is largely peaceful and has an effective administration – in sharp contrast to the rest of Somalia.

He says many people in Somaliland hope that if this election goes well, it will strengthen the case for independence.

Dozens of international observers are in the region to watch the vote.

Incumbent President Dahir Riyale Kahin faces two opponents: Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo from the leading opposition party, Kulmiye, and the leader of the Justice and Welfare party, Faisal Ali Warabe.

The final result should be announced in about a week.

Source/BBC