Saturday October 19, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) - Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has issued a decree prohibiting the use of public property, civil servants, and the military in election campaigns ahead of the November 13 presidential election.
The decree, released on Friday night, instructs government officials to ensure equal treatment of political parties in access to government resources and media during the campaign period.
The president directed the Minister of Information, Awareness, and Culture to guarantee that political parties and organizations receive balanced coverage on state-run media. In addition, the Minister of Internal Affairs has been tasked with ensuring fair use of campaign venues and maintaining security for candidates and the public at campaign events.
"It is forbidden for any public resources or government personnel, including the military, to be used in election campaigns," the decree stated.
The directive comes as the official presidential campaign begins across Somaliland. Tensions are rising, with recent resignations from two deputy ministers signalling a shift in political allegiances. Both officials, formerly aligned with the ruling Kulmiye Party, have now thrown their support behind opposition candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), calling for a change in leadership.