The President of the Republic of Somaliland and Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces, H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi, convened a high-level meeting with senior military officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming national elections.
Prior to the start, President Bihi began by welcoming the Chief of the Military, General Nuh Ismail Tani, at the Officers’ Mess, where he inspected a contingent of National Army personnel present for the occasion. Following this, he engaged in a closed-door session with the heads of the armed forces.
During the meeting, Brigadier General Abdi Abdillahi Hassan (Abdi-Dheere), spokesperson for the National Armed Forces and Police, and Brigadier General Ibrahim Abdi Haji Mahmoud provided an in-depth update on the readiness of security forces to safeguard the electoral process. They affirmed that all measures are in place to secure designated polling stations and ensure that ballot boxes are safely delivered to the Electoral Commission headquarters.
Police Chief, General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi (Dabagale), outlined the comprehensive security arrangements in place, including deployment to each polling site and reserve forces prepared to respond to any needs. Personnel have received specialized training to maintain election integrity, with clear guidance on neutrality and impartiality.
General Nuh Ismail Tani, Chief of the National Army, emphasized that the military is fully prepared to uphold its responsibilities in both defending the nation and maintaining security throughout the election period.
President Muse Bihi commended the armed forces for their dedication and rigorous preparations to ensure the elections proceed smoothly and safely.
The President highlighted that the Electoral Commission will have full oversight and authority on election day, with security forces operating under its direction. “On election day, the security forces will act in full support of the Electoral Commission, ensuring a safe and orderly process while continuing to fulfill their essential role in national defense,” he stated.
In closing, President Bihi underscored the significance of the upcoming elections in fostering national unity: “This election is an opportunity for us to strengthen our nation, bringing our people closer together in the spirit of progress and unity.”
