Election workers in Somaliland are counting ballots following Wednesday’s presidential election, the fourth since the region declared independence from Somalia three decades ago.
The Somaliland Election Commission reported that the voting process went smoothly without incident. Incumbent President Muse Bihi is seeking a second term, facing challenges from opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID party.
Preliminary results are expected by late Friday, with final tallies to be announced in about a week.
The election has been overshadowed by a controversial deal granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of the Gulf of Aden coastline in exchange for recognition. Somalia has condemned the agreement, calling it a violation of its sovereignty, and has sought support from Egypt and Eritrea to counter Ethiopia’s influence.
Despite more than 30 years of de facto independence, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any country. Its leaders hope this election will bring the region closer to international recognition.