Somaliland leader assures polls body of funds ahead of March 2017 elections

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo has assured the state’s electoral commission that his government will release funds in time to ensure the 2017 elections are held without delay.

Silanyo said the Finance minister will facilitate transfer of $4 million in readiness for the March 2017 elections which were due for mid this year but were pushed ahead.

Finance Minister Zamzam Abdi Adan said the funds will be sufficient to hold the elections without any external support. “The $4 million will be enough for the elections. We do not need money for the international community. Political parties will make their contributions in terms of candidate fees and that should be enough,” said Zamzam.

Somaliland postponed parliamentary and presidential elections slated for June this year causing a rift among politicians. Four ministers and two deputies resigned from President Silanyo’s cabinet last October, most of whom were strong members of the ruling party, Kulmiye

President Silanyo had indicated he would not be defending his seat and his choice for Moussa Bihi Abdi as flag bearer led to a major fall out in the party.