EU Mediators meet opposing sides in Somaliland elections

Hargeisa (Somaliland.com) – A high-level delegation from European Union has reached In Hargeisa on Wednesday, December 18th, to break the deadlock between Opposition Political Parties and Government of Somaliland over election delays.

The Delegation which is led by the European Union Envoy to Somalia Nicolas Berlanga has first met with Independent Mediation Committee who on Monday released their recommendations to resolve the standoff between the government and opposition over the new controversial electoral commission.

The EU delegation thanked the independent mediation committee for their efforts to a way forward towards the much needed parliamentary and local elections in Somaliland.

The delegation also met with two opposition parties of WADDANI and UCID in Maansoor Hotel to discuss ways forward after the opposition camp on Tuesday has welcomed and accepted the recommendations from the mediation committee.

The EU Delegation pledged to support the work of the committee and encourage the implementation of their recommendations.

The mediation committee recommended the dismissal of the controversial electoral commission which was sworn-in just last month. It further called for reinstating the previous electoral commission which was not less controversial than its successor.

More than two years have been expended over this election impasse, allowing the overdue parliament to remain on the seat for more than 14 years. Negotiations have progressed sluggishly, but today’s meeting is the second to feature external stakeholders, the EU, as mediators after the first agreement in July has not been implemented.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.