Somaliland eyes recognition as it goes to polls
Al Jazeera
Voting begins in Somaliland amid regional tensions and hopes for international recognition after 30 years of self-rule.
Voting is under way in presidential elections in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland.
More than 1 million people are expected to cast votes on Wednesday at more than 2,000 polling stations.
Eyeing a controversial deal with Ethiopia and Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency in the United States, candidates have said they hope to finally deliver international recognition for Somaliland after more than three decades of de facto self-rule.
President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party is seeking a second term after seven years in office, during which he has pushed that recognition bid.
His rivals also support the cause. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party campaigned on a platform of democratic reforms and social cohesion, while Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party advocates for a national unity government.
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