United States Praises Somaliland for Conducting Real Democracy

[Jacaylbaro]

With international observers describing last week’s presidential elections in Somaliland as “free and fair”, the United States government on Wednesday praised the break away Somali region for conducting real democracy.

 

In a statement of which APA obtained a copy on Wednesday the United States government commends the people of Somaliland, the national electoral commission, and the political parties for conducting a peaceful election on June 26.

 

Reports indicate that the election proceedings were generally peaceful and orderly. Saying that the high voter turnout indicated that the citizens of Somaliland are determined to exercise their rights.

 

International observers have also indicated that the June 26 election process was largely free and fair.

 

“The election marks an important milestone for the people of Somaliland. We congratulate the winner and commend the other candidates for their statesmanlike acceptance of the results,” the statement said.

 

The US went on to urge the people of Somaliland to sustain their efforts to see this process through to a peaceful conclusion, with the swearing-in of the winner within approximately thirty days.

 

Somaliland, which broke away from the rest of Somalia in 1991, is enjoying relative calm and peace, eve though it is yet to gain international recognition of its independence.

 

 

Source: Angola Press Agency (AFA)

[Jacaylbaro]

US Embassy in Nairobi Congratulates Somaliland

 

The US embassy in Nairobi has congratulated the people of Somaliland and its authorities for the recently concluded presidential elections in the semi-autonomous break away region in the northern part of Somalia.

 

In a press statement that was released yesterday, the US government indicated that it was satisfied with the manner in which the polls were conducted, just as earlier announced by other international observers.

 

The statement also said that the turn-out of voters was a clear indication of democracy as three national parties competed in the 26th of June polls.

 

The US government urged the people of Somaliland to continue their efforts to maintain peace and stability until Mr. Ahmed Mohamud Siranyo, winner of the elections, is sworn in in 30 days time.

 

Silanyo, who was the leader of the opposition, won with almost 50% of the vote in the hotly contested elections. He defeated the party of the current President, Dahir Riyale Kahin, who said he would resign gracefully if defeated.