Top UN official discusses elections on first visit to Somaliland

<p>The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General James Swan made his first visit to the Horn of Africa on Sunday.</p> <p>Swan discussed the importance of building Somaliland’s achievements and the impending elections.</p> <p>“We also discussed the importance of completing the necessary preparatory work to proceed to credible parliamentary and local elections very soon and in this context, I am very pleased to have noted the agreement reached among political parties just yesterday to move forward in preparing for elections on an early timeline”, he said.</p> <p>The two-day visit to Hergeisa was also to strengthen UN partnerships on humanitarian projects, economic development and capacity building for local governance and service delivery.</p> <p>“It was inspirational to see the practical training being provided to equip refugees and asylum-seekers to support themselves and their families, and also to contribute to the host economy and the community here in Somaliland”, Swan added.</p> <p>James Swan reiterated the U.N’s commitment to supporting Somaliland while getting to know about the progress and challenges facing women locally.</p> <p><strong>AP</strong></p> <p><strong>Photo Credit: <span class="caps">UNSOM</span></strong></p>

I am very pleased to have noted the agreement reached among political parties just yesterday to move forward in preparing for elections on an early timeline.