Somaliland:- New Electoral Commissioners are approved by Parliament

Somaliland parliament has approved the newly appointed National Electoral Commission Members on Tuesday.

Parliament approved them with an overwhelming majority.
Abdirashid Mohamud Riyo Raac got 50 votes, Kaltun Hasan Abdi received 55 votes, Abdirahman Mohamed Ismail Dihod also garnered 58 votes, Hasan Yusuf Du’ale got 58 votes as well. Mohamud Dahir Jama garnered 55 votes. While Mustafe Mohamed Dahir received 55 votes.

Wadani party which is the main opposition party in the country has withdrawn its members after being disappointed with members that president Bihi has included in the upcoming NEC. Mr. Abdirashid who has sparked row between Kulmiye and Wadani parties became the point of contention. He is accused of being a Kulmiye party member.

Speaking with CBAT-TV after parliament’s approval, Hassan Dualleh, said that he is determined to safeguard the interest of everyone now that he has been selected as a commissioner of the electoral commission.

The internal affairs committee of Somaliland House of Representatives held two-day meetings with 6 members for further vetting ahead of the parliament vote.

Kulmiye, the governing party was lobbying to see that the parliament pass all members with an overwhelming vote.

Parliament security was beefed up ahead of the vote of confidence for the newly elected members of the election commission.

Heavily armed security forces were deployed in the parliament building as roads leading to the premise were closed from traffic.