The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, issued three decrees today, outlining regulations on the use of national resources, state media, and campaign venues. These decrees also prohibit the use of public assets, involvement of government employees and armed forces in the campaigns, and call for full support of the National Electoral Commission during the upcoming presidential and political party elections, scheduled for 13 November 2024.
The presidential decrees are as follows:
First Decree
To: Ministry of Information, Awareness, and Culture
To: Minister of Interior
Cc: National Electoral Commission
Subject: Use of State Media and Campaign Venues
As the presidential and political party elections set for 13 November 2024 approach, I invoke Article 31 of the Amendment and Supplementation of the Law on Political Organizations and Parties, Law No. 14/2023, to ensure that the Ministry of Information provides equal access to state media for all political parties and organizations during the election campaign.
Furthermore, I direct the Minister of Interior to guarantee fair and equal access to public campaign venues, while ensuring the security of citizens, party officials, and political organizations participating in these events.
Second Decree
To: The Council of Ministers
To: Independent Government Agencies
Cc: National Electoral Commission
Subject: Prohibition of Public Resources, Government Employees, and Armed Forces in Election Campaigns
In preparation for the presidential and political party elections scheduled for 13 November 2024, under Article 101 of the Amendment and Supplementation of the General National Elections and Voter Registration Law, Law No. 91/2023, the use of public resources in election campaigns is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, government employees and armed forces personnel are barred from participating in or being involved in election activities. Relevant authorities are instructed to take legal action against any violation of these rules.
Third Decree
To: The Council of Ministers
To: Independent Government Agencies
To: Commanders of the Armed Forces
Cc: National Electoral Commission
Subject: Support for the National Electoral Commission
As the elections on 13 November 2024 draw near, all officials are directed to assist the National Electoral Commission in carrying out its duty to oversee the presidential and political party elections in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Somaliland.
In particular, the Ministry of Interior and the Armed Forces Commanders are instructed to collaborate with the National Electoral Commission to ensure security during the election campaign and throughout the election process in Somaliland.
