Indeed there were many reasons why the registration was not as successfully taken as was predicted initially.
Despite the NEC assuring the citizens that their data (Bio metric) data will not leave the country no matter what - which was the case - i.e. the reason why the printing of the cards took place in Hargeisa rather than in Europe. But never the less, I agree, there were a lot of people that did not bother because of the potential that it could fall into the European border control systems.
One other major obstacle was the whole process, the process was just too much. specially the fact that the person who registered for it, can only collect it from the same place they registered at. Considering that Somalis are majority nomads, that is just not feasible.
Which explains the fact that 30% did not even collect their cards.
Another reason given is that there are lot of people who are dissatisfied with the current flag-bearers of the Political parties. And just didn't bother at all to make the effort.
Having said that, however, those who registered can be qualified as being part of the cleanest voter registration system in the world.
Each polling station has got a list of those who are allowed to vote. There cannot be more than that list. If there is, then that station will need to be scrutinised or even cancelled.
On top of 600 party officials doing observations for their Political party, there are 60 International observers from Somaliland's friends, it is a bit harder to hide things.
