May 21, 2012

Somaliland: Vice-President Opens Election Commission


The Chairman of the Election Commission thanked the US, Sweden, UK, Switzerland, the EU, Denmark and Norway for supporting Somaliland’s democracy.

Below is an article published by The Somaliland Times:

Somaliland vice President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail (Zayla’i) cut the ribbons for a three story office that will serve as the headquarters of Somaliland’s election commission. 

The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of Somaliland Parliament, Abdirahman Muhammad Abdillahi (‘Irro), the Minister of Finance Abdiaziz Muhammad Samale, the Minister of Information Boobe Yusuf Du’ale and some representatives from the foreign donors’ committee that supports Somaliland.

The Chairman of the Election Commission Isse Yusuf H Muhammad (Hamari) spoke about what they had accomplished so far, and their plans for the coming municipal election. He said they were concerned with leaving a legacy for their country and this office building is an important part of that legacy. Speaking about the road ahead, he said we now have the structure that will help our democratic process but we need the tools that will make it more effective in terms of staff or equipment. He thanked the US, Sweden, UK, Switzerland, the EU, Denmark and Norway for supporting Somaliland’s democracy. He also complimented Somaliland diaspora for their role in supporting the commission’s work.

Vice President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail (Zayla’i) spoke at the occasion. He expressed his happiness at the completion of the construction of the building that would house the National Electoral Commission, a very important institution in the country. He thanked the donor’s committee, requested them to continue supporting Somaliland’s democracy and presented them with a certificate in recognition of their invaluable assistance in the democratization of Somaliland.