The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC), established in 2001, has been at the forefront of Somaliland’s journey toward democratic governance, ensuring the organization and oversight of all significant electoral activities, including presidential, parliamentary, local council elections, and referendums. Currently, operating under Law No. 91/2023, NEC first marked its position with the constitutional referendum in December 2001, which ratified the national constitution and laid the groundwork for subsequent democratic practices. This was followed by the first local council elections in December 2002, which marked the beginning of grassroots political participation and decentralized governance. In April 2003, NEC oversaw Somaliland’s inaugural presidential election, a landmark event that set precedents for the peaceful transfer of power. The first parliamentary election in September 2005 further solidified democratic governance by establishing a representative legislative body through free and fair elections.
To enhance the credibility and accuracy of the electoral process, NEC introduced biometric voter registration in 2008/2009 using fingerprint technology, a pioneering step in the region. The second presidential election in June 2010 reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democratic governance, followed by the second local council election in November 2012, which strengthened local government structures. In 2016, NEC implemented an even more sophisticated biometric voter registration system using IRIS recognition technology, which further improved voter identification and reduced electoral fraud. The third presidential election, held in November 2017, marked another milestone and demonstrated the country’s political maturity and resilience. The most recent elections in May 2021 combined local council and parliamentary elections, showcasing NEC’s capability to efficiently handle complex electoral processes. Looking ahead, NEC is preparing for the next significant democratic event, the presidential and political party elections scheduled for November 13, 2024. Through its continuous efforts to conduct transparent, inclusive, and technologically advanced elections, NEC established itself as a guardian of Somaliland’s democratic values, contributing to political stability, public confidence, and international recognition of Somaliland’s commitment to democracy.
