The National Electoral Commission of Somaliland today 24th December 2025 declared the reopening and updating of the national voter registration database. The move aims to prepare for upcoming national elections in a fair, inclusive, and efficient manner.
The decision follows seven months of intensive consultations (June to December 2025) involving the three national political parties, the government, and the Commission. In May 2025, the Commission presented three alternative options for voter registration, drawing from methods used in previous years (2016, 2021, and 2023), supported by technical reports from international experts.
Although the parties submitted separate recommendations, the Commission invoked Articles 17, 46, and 47 of the General Elections and Voter Registration Law No. 91/2023 to proceed. Article 47(4) specifically authorizes the Commission to determine the process for updating the voter register ahead of each election.
Key Elements of the Voter Registration Update:
- Foundation on Existing Data: The process will update the current voter database rather than conduct a full new registration.
- Scope:
- Registering new eligible citizens who have reached voting age or were not previously registered.
- Issuing replacement voter cards for those who lost theirs.
- Allowing voters to change their polling stations.
- Scale: Registration will occur at 500 sites across all regions and districts.
- Verification and Transparency: Independent technical experts will guide data corrections. The three national parties will actively participate to ensure openness and integrity.
- Timeline: By the end of January 2026, the Commission will complete a full assessment and release a detailed schedule for the start of registration and election dates, in line with national laws.
The Commission emphasized that this planned update will support timely elections while building public confidence in the process. It reflects Somaliland’s ongoing commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and peaceful political transitions in the Horn of Africa.