“Gentlemen, I will, only, transfer power to the two men who win the coming election, legally”. The P

It was very calm and collective evening for all political and government leaders of the Republic of Somaliland, whom dined at the Presidential Palace and at the personal invitation of the current President, H.E Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo. All three running candidates, their running mates and members of their personal advisers, the Speaker of the House of Parliament, the Chairman of the House of Elders, the Chairman of the country’s Supreme Court, the National Election Committee (NEC) and major government officials came together to listen to the President’s will and wisdom for the competing candidates and their parties. The president gave an emotional and courteous speech on how to run a civil Presidential Election and protect the harmony and dignity of the nation; “it is a great honor for me that we were able to resolve all the difficulties that challenged us to proceed successfully to uphold our democratization process and hold fair presidential election”. Said the President during his speech, which was very short and precise. The president carried on his speech expressing his gratitude to all the government officials and civil servants who served the presidential term with him. He congratulated the NEC and the heads of the national political parties for their plausible and committed efforts to hold a successful national election, so far.

The President affirmed that the upcoming election will be successful due to number of significant factors; Somaliland, he said, has conducted numerous elections, successfully, to hold another successful national election, this time. The people of Somaliland are experienced in voting freely and are well aware of their democratic rights. Also, the competing three presidential candidates are patriots that keep Somaliland’s best interest at heart. These and many other factors ensure the President that the country will conduct another successful election.

The President spoke, directly, to the three presidential candidates and their running mates, whom he reminded that this national election is, like the ones before, about upholding our Islamic and democratic values, safeguarding the national election laws and acts, and respecting rules and regulations of the NEC. He encouraged them to upstage vibrant campaigns during this election, but remain patriotic and protect the law and order.

The President advised the leaders of the three national parties to inspire their supporters and voters by conducting a freer and fair election, and to protect the peace and harmony of the country. He warned anyone who attempts to disturb the peace and harmony of the country a whole to facing the consequences, and, therefore, everyone to prosecute them. The President reminded all that deliberate mischiefs will not be tolerated, and that only one presidential candidate will win this; “That seat [presidency] I am sitting on cannot be occupied by two presidents or three, for that matter, but only one president and his vice president”, the President reminded the candidates and warned them at the same time “Gentlemen, I will, only, transfer power to the two men who win the coming election, legally”. Therefore, as the President informed all parties, “when the votes are counted and result is declared, you should all accept the voting result”.

The President emphasized that Somaliland is here today due to traditional communities harmonization and reconciliations of all affairs, and compromises aimed to keep the status quo. He spoke from experience where he campaigned and lost by 80 votes in 2003 presidential election and accepted the result even though the fast majority of his party members and supporters rejected the result and accused the NEC and, then, occupant government of rigging the election. He told the presidential candidates that losing the election is not a political loss, but what will damage your political career and your popularity among the eligible voters is refusing to accept the election results declared by the NEC and the Supreme Court. “You remember I accepted [disputed] 80 votes loss in April 2003. I did so by protecting the peace and harmony and by considering my future as a politician and hopeful candidate. I did not fail; It is my patience and gallant that led to my 50% victory in the 2010 presidential election”. The President. He expressed his gratitude for the former president, Mr Dahir Riyale Kahin, who has transferred the power with such poise and patriotism.

The President has, also, spoken to the officials of the NEC, the Chairman of the Supreme Court, the National Army of the Republic of Somaliland, and the general public of Somaliland. He emphasized the importance of conducting a fairer and freer presidential election and working together to preserve our peace and stability. To the public, the President said, “the presidential candidates have no right to create instability and hatred amongst you. Nevertheless, those candidates have right to ask for your votes and support. And for that reason, I am asking you to take greater responsibility for the protection of our country’s cohesion, solidarity, harmony, and our nationhood”.

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