"Somaliland, My Country' 34 Years of Democracy and Progress".

Somaliland: 34 Years of Self-Governance and Democratic Progress

By Abdilahi Ahmed

Amaano Secondary School Principal

Counselor, political Commentator.

Somaliland, officially known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared independent state

located in the Horn of Africa. Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has carved a

reputation for political stability and democratic governance in a region often plagued by conflict. The

territory lies along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden, bordered by Djibouti to the northwest,

Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. It spans an area of 176,120 square kilometers

and is home to an estimated 5 to 6 million people as of 2024. Its capital and largest city is Hargeisa.

As Somaliland celebrates its 34th year of independence in 2025, its political history showcases a steady

march toward democracy and governance built on popular participation.

Timeline of Key Elections and Political Milestones:

2001 – Constitutional Referendum:

❖ A landmark event where 97% of voters supported Somaliland’s independence through a

constitutional referendum.

2002 – Municipal Elections:

❖ It marked the beginning of multi-party democracy. UCID, UDUB, and Kulmiye won seats

across various districts.

2003 – Presidential Election:

❖ UDUB’s Dahir Rayale Kahin won by a slim margin of 80 votes, becoming the first directly

elected president with 205,595 votes.

2005 – Parliamentary Elections:

❖ UDUB: 33 seats

❖ Kulmiye: 28 seats

❖ UCID: 21 seats

2010 – Presidential Election: Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud "Silanyo” of Kulmiye won with 49.6%,

defeating Dahir Rayale (33.2%) and Faysal Ali (17.2%).

2012 – Municipal Elections:

❖ Kulmiye, Waddani, and UCID emerged as the three dominant political parties

2017 – Presidential Election:

Somaliland , My country.

❖ Muse Bihi Abdi of Kulmiye became the 5th president with 55% of the vote. His rivals,

Abdirahman Cirro and Faysal Ali, received 41% and 4% respectively.

2021 – Municipal and Parliamentary Elections:

❖ Municipal: Kulmiye, Waddani, and UCID led local government seats.

Parliament: Waddani – 31 seats, Kulmiye – 30 seats, UCID – 21 seats.

2024 – National Political Party Election:

❖ Waddani – 34%

❖ Kaah – 21%

❖ Kulmiye – 17%

2024 – Presidential Election:

❖ Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi "Cirro” won with a commanding 64%, defeating incumbent

Muse Bihi (35%) and Faysal Ali (1%).

Presidents of Somaliland (1991–Present):

1. Abdirahman Ahmed Aw Ali

2. Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal

3. Dahir Rayale Kahin

4. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud "Silanyo”

5. Muse Bihi Abdi

6. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi "Cirro”

Conclusion:

Over the past three decades, Somaliland has made remarkable strides in self-rule, electoral

democracy, and peaceful political transitions. Despite its status as an unrecognized state, its

commitment to holding regular elections and building strong institutions stands as a model of

resilience and governance in the Horn of Africa. As Somaliland marks 34 years of independence, its

democratic journey continues to inspire hope among its citizens and admirers around the world.