UK Statement on Somaliland’s democratisation process

F.P. Report

LONDON: Somaliland international partners visited Hargeisa to discuss the next steps and timelines for Somaliland’s elections.

Following the successful Somaliland combined local and parliamentary elections last year, international partners supporting Somaliland’s democratisation process visited Hargeisa from 24 to 27 January to discuss the next steps and timelines for Somaliland’s elections and democratisation with stakeholders.

We encourage Somaliland’s political leaders to clarify the way forward for the upcoming elections, due this year, through an inclusive dialogue process, by agreeing on a joint electoral roadmap in line with Somaliland’s laws and constitution and ensuring that the electoral processes reflect Somaliland’s internal diversity in terms of inclusion of women, youth and minorities.

It is important that the preparations, led by the National Electoral Commission, on voter registration start now so that they can be completed prior to upcoming election dates. As long-term partners in Somaliland’s democratisation process, we are looking forward to continuing our support and engagement during these next important milestones.

This statement is on behalf of the following partners:

European Union

Denmark

Finland

Germany

Norway

Sweden

United Kingdom