Somaliland: Gov’t to Shut Down Social Media as the country goes to the polls

[Deeq A.]

HARGEISA— Voters in Somaliland will go to the polls on Monday ( 13th Nov.) to vote for the country’s next president in what is considered to be the most competitive election since the advent of multiparty politics in early 2000. Once voters woke up and go to cast their ballots, Somalilanders in nationwide will find access to social media will be blocked as National Electoral Commission announced. The decision to disconnect social media was jointly announced in a press conference by NEC chairman and Hon. Said Ali Muse, NEC member.

The main objective behind the shutting down of all social media the likes of Facebook, twitter, whatsitup, Imo, Viber, Linkedin,  and Google plus is to avoid the dissemination of fake news and will be disconnected starting from 13th November and the blockade will be in effect till election results will be released by NEC on 23rd November, 2017.NEC confirmed that the it  instructed the internet providing companies to block social media access in the country.The biggest fear for internet disconnection is that individuals will spread false news on the basis of inciting violence before results released by NEC. There are three presidential contenders who are contesting in this election where political analysts say that it will be tough to predict who is going to win it.

According to public opinion poll showed the race tightening with Musa Bihi garnering 50% support with Irro 35% and Faisal 15%. The expectation is Musa Bihi likely to come out on top.