Somaliland’s Upper House endorses elections deal

Somaliland House of Elders has endorsed the newly agreed electoral framework paving way for preparations of parliamentary and municipal elections this year.

The 53 lawmakers present unanimously endorsed the agreement which had earlier been given the nod by the Lower House. The region’s three political parties-Kulmiye, UCID and Waddani agreed in July to hold parliamentary and municipal this year after several delays which have seen the region’s MPs stay in office since 2005.

According to the agreement by the three political parties, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) was expected to present technical guidelines for the elections within two weeks starting mid-July.

The Bill now moves to the president’s office for assent.