We are ready for Monday's election- Somaliland electoral body

National Electoral Commission (NEC) of the self—declared Independent states of Somaliland said it has finalized preparations for the presidential election scheduled for Monday.

NEC Chairperson Abdukadir Iman Warsame said the election would take place in 21 electoral districts with 1,642 polling stations, adding that the ballot boxes, papers and machines are ready.

“Election campaigns in Somaliland came to an end on Friday, we are ready for the presidential election on Monday, about 9,000 staff will be working for this election to guide, help voters and check them,” Warsame told a news conference.

Three political parties will field presidential candidates, Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party, Faisal Ali Waraabe of the For Justice and Development party (UCID) and Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Wadani party.

The UCID and the Kulmiye competed in the 2003 and 2010 presidential elections, while the Wadani paty is contesting for the first time, the party secured the right to field a candidate based on its performance in the 2012 local elections. The incubent president, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud will not defend his seat.

Meanwhile, high spirits and a celebratory atmosphere have characterised the political campaign rallies in the run-up to a long-awaited presidential election in the self-declared state of Somaliland, which is due to take place on November 13.

This is Somaliland’s first presidential election since 2010 and the stakes are high. The contest was delayed for more than eight months due to voter registration issues, lack of funding and a devastating drought.