Presidential vote held peacefully after months of tensions and two-year delay, ICG report says

Hargeisa (Crises Group) – Peaceful, stable election raised hopes of improved domestic and international ties. Voting in 13 Nov concurrent presidential and political party polls occurred smoothly, with little reports of disruption.

Electoral commission 19 Nov said opposition Waddani’s presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro defeated incumbent President Bihi, winning 64% of vote to Bihi’s 35%; Waddani, Bihi’s Kulmiye and Kaah political association named as three winning parties to become national parties and given licences for ten years to compete amongst each other.

Irro same day talked of “unity and fraternity”, while Bihi next day congratulated Irro and pledged support for “smooth transition”. Constitutional Court 27 Nov certified results. Despite pre-election tensions and two-year delay, successful vote and transparent process offered prospect of reset of various relations, including with SSC-Khatumo (self-declared administration for Dhulbahante community).

Internationally, Djibouti and Ethiopia welcomed election while Somali President Mohamud congratulated Irro and winning parties.

Low-scale fighting reported before polls but failed to disrupt election process. Along frontlines between SSC-Khatumo and govt forces in Togdheer region, Haber Jeclo sub-clan of Isaaq (Somaliland’s largest clan) and Dhulbahante clan members early Nov clashed around Shangeed and Qorilguud villages, Buhoodle district, no reported casualties.