The Somaliland Strategic Advisory Group (SL-SAG) has issued a strong advisory to the House of Elders (Guurti) of the Republic of Somaliland, calling for strict adherence to the National Electoral Commission’s (NEC) proposed election timeline and warning against any extended delays that are not supported by technical justification.
In its statement, SL-SAG emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the House of Elders in safeguarding peace and national stability, noting that Somaliland is currently at a “historic moment” that will significantly shape its democratic future.
The group highlighted that the NEC has confirmed elections can be conducted within a 10-month period, urging lawmakers to avoid any extension beyond this timeframe. It cautioned that a prolonged delay, particularly a two-year extension without clear technical reasons, could pose a serious threat to the country’s stability and international standing.
SL-SAG stressed the importance of Somaliland’s democratic reputation, pointing to its consistent ranking by Freedom House as one of the leading democratic systems in East Africa. It described this standing as the result of over three decades of political effort and national commitment, warning that unnecessary extensions risk undermining that progress and damaging the country’s credibility on the global stage.
The advisory also noted that international partners and investors are closely monitoring Somaliland’s democratic processes. It warned that any extension beyond NEC’s technical recommendation could be perceived as political manipulation and could negatively affect the country’s reputation.
According to SL-SAG, such developments would not only harm Somaliland’s democratic image but also weaken its broader aspirations for international recognition.
Concluding its statement, the group described the current situation as both a challenge and an opportunity, reiterating its recommendation that the House of Elders align its decision with the NEC’s 10-month electoral preparation timeline. It urged full respect for legal processes and called for ensuring that citizens are given the opportunity to vote at the scheduled time.
The statement ended with a traditional expression of faith, affirming that success comes from Allah.