The Election The World is Not Watching: Somaliland's Groundbreaking 2024 Election

Somaliland Lady Voting: Pic Credit AP

Somaliland is preparing for a historic democratic milestone as it approaches its combined Presidential and Political Associations elections scheduled for November 13, 2024. This electoral event represents a significant evolution in Somaliland's democratic journey, marking the first time these two crucial elections will be held simultaneously. Since the ratification of its Constitution in 2001, Somaliland has demonstrated remarkable progress in its democratic processes. The nation has successfully transitioned from an indirect electoral system to direct elections, showcasing its commitment to democratic principles. This evolution is evidenced by the successful execution of eight national elections, each contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions. While the country prepares for this historic democratic milestone, the international community remains largely unaware the country is going for election and its innovative electoral process. This paper illuminates the unique features of Somaliland's groundbreaking 2024 elections and demonstrates why these developments deserve global attention.

Electoral Framework

The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) has established distinct voting mechanisms for each election type. The Presidential election will utilize the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, a straightforward method where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins. Meanwhile, the Political Associations election will be conducted under the framework of election law number 14/2023, ensuring a structured approach to political party formation and representation.

What is the Political Association Election?

Political associations play a pivotal role in Somaliland's unique democratic structure, serving as a mechanism to foster competition while mitigating tribal influences. The constitution limits official national parties to three that can participant in an election , a measure aimed at preventing clan-based fragmentation and promoting broader political coalitions. Every decade, Somaliland's political landscape undergoes a renewal process where existing party licenses expire, new associations register and compete, and a popular vote determines the three official parties for the next ten years. This system prevents political stagnation and allows for the emergence of fresh political movements.

These associations bridge traditional clan-based governance and modern multi-party democracy, channeling clan interests into formal structures while encouraging policy-based platforms that transcend tribal affiliations. To qualify for national party status, associations must compete in local elections and demonstrate broad support by securing at least 20% of the vote in four out of six regions. This process serves as a crucial mechanism in Somaliland's ongoing transition from clan-based politics to a more formalized democratic system, contributing to the country's relative political stability and democratic progress. By facilitating this transition and providing periodic opportunities for political renewal, Somaliland's unique approach to political associations has become a cornerstone of its evolving democracy, balancing traditional structures with modern democratic principles.

Major Developments for the 2024 Elections

In a significant development for 2024, Somaliland has resolved a major political dispute by agreeing to hold both presidential elections and political party renewal concurrently in November. This decision marks a crucial moment in Somaliland's democratic journey, as it combines two fundamental aspects of its political system. The simultaneous timing of these events demonstrates the maturity of Somaliland's unique democratic framework, which carefully balances competitive politics with measures to prevent clan-based fragmentation. Despite facing various challenges, this distinctive approach to political organization has proven instrumental in maintaining Somaliland's stability and furthering its democratic development. The upcoming November elections will not only determine the next president but also shape the political landscape for the coming decade through the selection of new political parties.

In addition, the Somaliland National Electoral Commission has made remarkable strides in election technology, particularly through the implementation of biometric voter registration. This groundbreaking system, which utilizes iris scanning technology, was first introduced in the 2017 elections, positioning Somaliland as a global pioneer in electoral innovation. The adoption of this advanced biometric system has significantly enhanced the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process, placing Somaliland at the forefront of election management technology, even surpassing many developed nations.

The Commission's dedication to technological advancement is further evidenced by its ongoing efforts to refine and improve the system. In preparation for the upcoming November 2024 elections, the NEC conducted field tests of an upgraded Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS). In addition, the NEC has a vibrant and interactive website https://www.slnec.net/ with voter locater and station location features. These features are available via a mobile application as well. This continuous process of improvement demonstrates Somaliland's commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge, secure, and transparent electoral system, further solidifying its position as a leader in democratic innovation.

What’s Unique About this Election

Somaliland's political system stands out among African countries due to its unique characteristics and hybrid governance model. Despite lacking international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has developed a distinctive multiparty democracy that contrasts sharply with the dominant single-party systems or authoritarian regimes found in some African nations. The country's constitution uniquely limits official political parties to three at the national level, a feature uncommon in most African democracies. Somaliland's governance blends modern democratic institutions with traditional clan structures, creating a hybrid system that has facilitated peaceful transfers of power through regular elections since 2003. This stability is particularly noteworthy given the political instability prevalent in parts of Africa.

Despite its unrecognized status, Somaliland has maintained relative political stability compared to Somalia and some neighboring countries, making notable democratic progress while other African nations face democratic backsliding or military coups. However, like many African countries, Somaliland grapples with electoral challenges, including disputes over election timing and concerns about potential violence. Overall, while sharing some common challenges with other African democracies, Somaliland's unique status, limited party system, and innovative blend of modern and traditional governance structures set it apart from many of its continental counterparts, offering a distinctive model of African democracy.

International Recognition Context

The upcoming elections carry particular significance in Somaliland's ongoing quest for international recognition. As an autonomous region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has consistently used democratic processes to demonstrate its capability for self-governance. The successful implementation of these simultaneous elections could serve as another testament to Somaliland's political maturity and democratic capabilities.

Electoral Significance

These elections represent more than just a political exercise, they are a crucial benchmark in Somaliland's democratic development. The combination of Presidential and Political Associations elections demonstrates the region's capacity to manage complex electoral processes while maintaining democratic integrity. This electoral event could potentially strengthen Somaliland's position in the international community and further its aspirations for formal recognition as a sovereign state.

In conclusion

Somaliland's upcoming combined Presidential and Political Associations elections on November 13, 2024, mark a pivotal moment in the region's democratic journey. This unprecedented electoral event showcases Somaliland's political maturity and innovative approach to governance. By simultaneously holding presidential elections and political party renewal, Somaliland demonstrates its ability to balance competitive politics with measures to prevent clan-based fragmentation. The implementation of cutting-edge biometric voter registration technology further underscores Somaliland's commitment to electoral integrity and innovation. Despite its unrecognized status, Somaliland has cultivated a unique democratic model that blends modern institutions with traditional clan structures, facilitating peaceful power transitions and maintaining relative stability in a region often marred by political turmoil. While facing challenges common to many African democracies, Somaliland's distinctive limited party system and hybrid governance approach set it apart from its continental counterparts. The successful execution of these complex elections could significantly bolster Somaliland's quest for international recognition, serving as a powerful testament to its capacity for self-governance. As Somaliland continues to navigate its path towards formal recognition, the 2024 elections stand as a compelling demonstration of its democratic resilience and aspirations for sovereignty.

Taona Mwanyisa, the Managing Partner of @TDGHRconsult, is a specialist in election-related support with a diverse clientele including electoral management bodies, political parties, civil society organizations, civil registries, and law enforcement agencies.