By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
HARGEISA, April 28 (Dawan Africa) The House of Elders in the breakaway region of Somaliland has approved a 27-month extension of the mandates of parliament and local councils, citing delays in the electoral process and security and technical challenges.
The resolution, adopted during a formal session in Hargeisa, extends the mandates from July 2026 to October 2028, according to an official decision.
The council, known as the Guurti, said the move followed consultations with the Somaliland National Electoral Commission and political stakeholders, who pointed to technical, security and administrative constraints affecting the timely conduct of elections.
It said the extension was in line with constitutional provisions allowing it to set election timelines under exceptional circumstances when polls cannot be held as scheduled.
Officials cited several factors behind the delay, including voter registration preparations, coordination gaps in the electoral process and insecurity in regions such as Sool, Sanaag, Awdal and parts of Togdheer.
Environmental challenges, including drought and displacement, were also said to have complicated preparations for nationwide elections.
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Under the decision, the Guurti’s own mandate will be aligned with the extended term of the House of Representatives to ensure institutional continuity.
The resolution was approved by a majority vote, indicating broad support within the chamber.
Somaliland has previously relied on similar extensions to manage election delays, a practice that continues to fuel political debate among stakeholders.