Democracy

Since reclaiming independence in 1991, Somaliland has built a functioning, stable, democratic state in an otherwise volatile security environment. It serves as a model for others within the region and beyond who seek to govern responsibly and provide opportunities for their citizens. Several elections and peaceful transitions of power have been declared free and fair by international and local observers, with the most recent presidential election taking place in November 2017.

The government of Somaliland consists of three branches: executive, judiciary and legislative. The powers of these branches are set out in the Constitution of Somaliland, which was adopted in April 2000. Muse Bihi Abdi is the current and fifth president of the Republic of Somaliland. He was elected in November 2017 and serves alongside Vice President Abdirahman Abdilaahi Ismail Saylici.

Elections in Somaliland are conducted by an independent National Election Commission. The U.S. Agency for International Development provided resources and training to the National Election Commission through the Brining Unity, Integrity and Legitimacy to Democracy (BUILD) program. An international election observation mission by a consortium of British groups applauded Somalilanders for their “ongoing commitment to peaceful participation in an impressively open electoral system.”

The legislative powers of the Republic of Somaliland are vested exclusively in the Parliament which consists of two Houses: the House of Representatives and the House of the Elders (Guurti, in Somali). All bills passed by the Parliament only come into force when the President publishes them in accordance with the Constitution.

Somaliland’s capable security forces, law enforcement authorities and strong judiciary have deterred terrorism and piracy from its territory and adjacent waterways, and have also enabled the arrest and prosecution of wildlife traffickers transiting the country.