Progressio to coordinate international observers for Somaliland elections

Catholic development agency Progressio has been chosen to coordinate a team of election observers from four continents during the forthcoming presidential elections in the internationally unrecognised Republic of Somaliland, currently scheduled for 29 March.

The invitation to conduct the mission, issued by the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, will see Progressio working in partnership with the Development Planning Unit at University College London (UCL), FOPAG (Forum for Peace and Governance) in Somaliland and Somaliland Focus UK.

The team will oversee organisation of the election observation team and will remain in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, following the vote to prepare a report on the conduct of the campaign and poll.

Somaliland is situated in Somalia’s northwest. It declared unilateral independence from the failed Somali state in 1991 and has since been a haven of relative peace whilst violence and instability has characterised Somalia, its capital Mogadishu and more recently the Gulf of Aden.

Progressio’s involvement in the mission follows its leadership of the international monitoring team for Somaliland’s inaugural parliamentary elections in 2005, judged by observers as “basically free and fair”.

Progressio has been working with local communities in Somaliland since 1995 by placing skilled workers with local organisations specialising in advocating for the rights of women, youth and people with disabilities as well as supporting basic health service provision and people living with HIV and Aids. Progressio also actively supports progress towards democratisation and stabilising the country.

Commenting on the announcement of the mission, Dr Steve Kibble, Progressio’s Advocacy Coordinator for Africa said, “Following a successful mission in 2005, we are pleased to be supporting the people of Somaliland once more. Election observation is an integral part of ensuring that democracy prevails in this fragile corner of Africa. Progressio is delighted to be working with UCL, FOPAG and Somaliland Focus UK on this project.”