Hargeysa, Somaliland, 13 April 2008 - The Somaliland National Elections Commission (NEC) issued a press release, Saturday April 12th, 2008, which states that "The National Elections Commission will adhere to the recent agreement reached with all three Somaliland political parties, KULMIYE, UCID and UDUB concerning the new timetable for the completion of Voter Registration and the subsequent elections for Presidential and municipal offices".

According the NEC press release, the Voter registration process will be completed on the 5th of October 2008, followed by elections for municipal assemblies on the 6th of October 2008. The Presidential election is scheduled for December 31st, 2008.

"The commission will adhere to the agreement reached between all three political parties after careful deliberations, and we urge the people of Somaliland to safeguard the stability and security of the nation", stated the press release issued by the Somaliland National Elections Commission, which was distributed to the Somaliland press and members of a European Union delegation currently visiting the country.

The NEC press release was signed by the Chair, Mudane Mohamed Ismail Mohamed, Deputy-Chair, Hersi Ali Haji Hassan and four other members. The recent decision by the Somaliland House of Elders to extend President Rayale's mandate was not addressed by the press release.

Omar Mohamed Farah

Hargeisa. Somaliland

Source: Qarannews