BBC Africa report for Somaliland Votes In Presidential Election

[Deeq A.]

Election officials and observers in the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland say voting in the presidential poll, which has ended, appears to have proceeded smoothly. Some voters queued for hours before the polls opened.

Somaliland’s constitution allows presidents to serve two terms but the current President Mohamed Silanyo, a British-educated economist, has decided to step down after just one, albeit extended. Elections are meant to be held every five years. However the poll was delayed for two years due to drought and technical issues. Three candidates are now vying to replace him in a close race. The electoral commission says it may take several days before it announces the official result.

BBC