By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi issued three executive orders on Friday evening giving various directions to diverse arms of government in order to facilitate free and fair elections as the nation goes to polls on the 13th November 2024.
The first directive demanded that the Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance to ensure giving equal air time to items broadcasted and be completely impartial to all the political parties and organizations.
In the same breath, the Interior minister has been instructed to ensure that public amenities such as stadia and arenas be available equitably to all contesting parties during the period of electioneering campaigns hence the security of the officials of the parties and the general populaces be safeguarded.
The second order bans the use of all types of government properties to be used in the campaigns in any way whatsoever by the contesting parties.
Similarly all government employees, both in public and security services, are completely prohibited in being involved and/or indulged in political campaigns.
Instructions are thus made to hold anyone responsible in case the order is not adhered to.
The third executive order demanded that all the ministries and parastatal government agencies, including the different arms of security services, assist the National Electoral Commission in carrying out its national duties in holding the presidential and national party elections.
“I specifically instruct the Ministry of Interior and the Commanders of Armed Forces of the Republic of Somaliland to assist the National Electoral Commission in ensuring the safeguarding of public order and security during the campaign and elections of the Republic of Somaliland”, said the Head of State.