HARGEISA – Somaliland voters headed to the polls on Wednesday in a pivotal election to choose new leadership for the next five years. The presidential contest includes incumbent President Muse Bihi of the Kulmiye Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party.

The election will also decide which political parties will shape Somaliland’s future, as ten organizations vie for a 20% share of the total vote to gain official status for future participation. This vote is seen as a significant test for Somaliland, which has maintained peace and stability despite its unrecognized statehood.

The election follows a two-year delay marked by disputes over sequencing, leading to protests and clashes after President Bihi’s term was extended. A compromise led by traditional elders paved the way for the current unified election.

Preliminary results are expected late Wednesday as vote tallying at polling stations concludes. This election is regarded as a key moment for Somaliland’s political trajectory and could have wider implications for the region, including Somalia.