New electoral commissioners in Somaliland sworn in

Commissioners of the newly constituted Somaliland National Electoral Commission took oath of office Monday in Hargeisa.

The commissioners were sworn in by Chief Justice Adan Haji Ahmed in the presence of President Muse Bihi.

The swearing-in of the commissioners marks a new step following tussles between the opposition Waddani and the government which saw Waddani party supporters hit the streets last week. The opposition had accused the Bihi’s government of appointing cronies to the polls body.

The political deadlock led Wadani party to withdrew its members and put the election preparations into doubt.

The Upper House (Guurti) announced Sunday a new term extension granting itself three years and the Lower House two years.