Kenya International Election Observer Mission Preliminary Report

The Kenya International Election Observer Mission has released its preliminary report on Somaliland’s 2024 presidential and political party elections, praising the overall organization, peaceful conduct, and transparency of the process.

The full report is as follows:

International (Kenya) Election Observer Mission Preliminary Report on the 2024 Somaliland Presidential and Political Parties Election

Condolence Message

The International (Kenya) Observation Mission has learnt of the untimely passing-on of His Excellency former President Ahmed M. M. Silanyo. The Mission conveys its heartfelt condolences to the President, the family and the people of Somaliland for such a devastating loss of a notable statesman, who served with passion and dedication.

1. PREFACE

The Kenya International Election Observer Mission was deployed to Somaliland to observe the presidential and political parties’ elections held on 13th November 2024. The delegation comprised 10 observers and operated at the invitation of the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC), aligning with its commitment to support and strengthen democratic processes.

For six days of engagement, the observers conducted assessments across three regions: Hargeisa, Berbera, and Borama, evaluating prior, during, and post-election day procedures. These included; the NEC briefings, meetings with the presidential candidates, polling station operations, voting, closing, and tallying processes.

The mission’s findings were guided by the AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections and Somaliland’s electoral legal framework. In any progressive democracy, free and fair elections increase the likelihood of a peaceful transfer of power. They help to ensure that losing candidates will accept the validity of the election’s results and cede power to the new government, as a demonstration of the will of the people.

2. INTRODUCTION

Somaliland conducted its fourth consecutive national democratic election for the presidency on 13th November 2024. The election was for 7 new political associations as well as the three existing political parties to compete to be political parties.

The electoral environment, during the pre-election period, election day, and post-election phases, was observed to be peaceful, orderly, and well-organized, guided by the rule of law. The mission greatly commends the people of Somaliland, the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, presidential candidates, and political parties for demonstrating confidence in the democratic process and ensuring a credible election.

3. OBSERVATION OUTCOME

I. Election Preparedness

The mission noted that the NEC demonstrated adequate preparedness, which included:

• Develop and implement an election roadmap in consultation with political parties and presidential candidates.
• Establishment of mechanisms to foster transparency and inclusivity.

ii. Voting Process and Polling Staff

1. Observers were present at polling stations before the official opening time of 7:00 AM and visited over 60 polling stations throughout election day.
2. Priority voting arrangements were made for the elderly, expectant mothers, and nursing mothers.
3. Polling stations were well-staffed, with an average of five officials per station, ensuring a seamless voting process and secrecy of the ballot.
4. Polling staff displayed professionalism and responsiveness to observer queries.
5. The NEC provided an opportunity for youth participation by recruiting and training them as polling clerks and presiding officers.
6. Observers noted that some ballot boxes lacked fitting lids or proper seals, which requires attention for future elections.

iii. Good Election Practices

The mission observed several commendable practices, including:

1. Special voting provisions that increased voter access.
2. Regular communication by the NEC with stakeholders, enhancing process transparency.
3. Establishment of a Women’s Situation Room and Early Warning and Response Mechanisms, which effectively monitored election-related violence and human rights violations.
4. Issuance of special NEC car registration plates to regulate vehicular movement on election day.
5. Professionalism exhibited by stakeholders such as security agencies, party agents, civil society, and the media.
6. Pre-election engagements with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), such as SONSAF, ensuring responsiveness to public interest.
7. The absence of chaos, intimidation, or violence at polling stations.
8. The media adhered to legal provisions, providing equitable coverage to all parties and candidates.

iv. Transparency and Accountability

The voting and counting processes were conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, with party agents, observers, and media present.

v. Closing of Polling Stations and Counting of Votes

The mission noted that closing and counting procedures were consistent across all polling stations visited. All voters in the queue at closing time were allowed to vote. Delays at some polling stations were attributed to long queues, yet the process was managed effectively.

4. NOTABLE AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Biometric Verification Systems: Address technical issues with (IRIS) Biometric Verification Systems to prevent malfunctions in future election processes.
2. Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Ensure polling venues are accessible, avoiding locations with stairs unless provision of ramps is available.
3. Lighting: Provide adequate lighting at all polling stations, especially for night operations.
4. Security of Ballot Boxes: Ensure all ballot boxes have fitting lids and proper seals.
5. Infrastructure and Logistics: Address logistical and infrastructural gaps to improve overall efficiency.

5. CONCLUSION

The Kenya International Election Observer Mission commends;

• The Somaliland citizenry for exhibiting their patriotism and peacefully exercising their constitutional and democratic rights,
• The National Electoral Commission for professionally and seamlessly conducting its mandate and;
• All Somaliland electoral and political stakeholders for conducting a free, fair, and democratic election that meets international standards.

The mission extends its congratulations to Somaliland for this significant milestone in its democratic journey.