Somalia: Somaliland elections scheduled November 13

Event

Somaliland is expected to hold general elections to elect its next president and House of Representatives on Monday, November 13. Classes at schools and universities throughout Somaliland will be canceled from Tuesday, November 7, to Wednesday, November 15, as many schools will be used as polling centers. According to local media sources, voter turnout is expected to be around 18 percent of the region's total population. The Somaliland National Electoral Commission will reportedly shut down internet service during the election period, from November 13 to November 17, to reduce the risk of organized violence.

Meanwhile, the Puntland regional government has deployed forces to the disputed Sool region (specifically the Tukaraq and Taleh areas in and near Lasanod district) in recent days to prevent the establishment of Somaliland polling booths, as part of a larger dispute over election polling in the area. Violence in the area is possible during this election period.

While elections are expected to take place without major incident in most of Somaliland, heightened security measures and political rallies, as well as consequent transportation disruptions, are to be anticipated around polling centers. Political violence or terrorist activity cannot be ruled out through the coming week.

Context

Campaigning for Somaliland's third presidential election began on October 21; no major acts of violence have yet been recorded, although clashes between rival supporters armed with sticks have resulted in minor injuries. Some 60 election observers from two dozen countries are expected to monitor the elections.

Somaliland is a self-declared independent state, recognized by the international community as an autonomous region of Somalia. The region previously held presidential elections in 2003 and 2010.

Advice

Individuals present in the country are advised to expect increased security measures and to avoid all demonstrations and polling stations (or other political events) as violence may flare up without warning. There is also an elevated risk of terrorist activity during the election period (as during any high-profile event in Somalia); remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and/or your local security manager. The Sool region should be avoided until the conclusion of elections due to the risk of an escalation in the ongoing dispute between Puntland and Somaliland.

On a general note, some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to Somalia due to extremely poor security conditions.