Opposition Parties Reject Guurti Extension and Say They Do Not Recognize Rayale As a President Come April 06th
Hargeysa (Somaliland Globe) The two opposition parties in Somaliland, Kulmiye and UCID, have rejected the new date set for elections by the house of elders of Somaliland, Guurti. Mr Faysal Warabe, Chairman of UCID decried that the Guurti does not have the authority to set the election time table while Mr Silanyo altogether rejected both the time table set by the Guurti and the extension made to Rayale’s term of office by the Guurti.
On 28th March 2009 the Somaliland house of elders have given a six month extension, the second within a year, to President Rayale’s term of office which was due to expire in April 06h of this year. They have also announced that elections should take place on the 29th of September 2009.
The Somaliland Election Commission has announced earlier this year that they are unable to hold the Presidential elections that were scheduled to take place on the 29th of March 2009.
Mr Silanyo, the chair of Kulmiye Party, the main and largest opposition party of Somaliland, stated that the Guurti does not have the authority to set election dates and pointed out that it has hijacked the responsibilities of the election commission. Mr Silanyo further added that the extension to Rayale’s term was illegal and unconstitutional and stressed that his party will not recognize Mr Rayale as a President after the 06th of April 2009 when his term of office expired.
The Guurti have made a similar extension, a one year extension, to Rayale’s term of office when the government announced that elections cannot take place inn April last year
Political and regional observers fear instability after the second extension to Rayale’s term of office. A diplomatic source who requested anonymity in order to discuss his feelings frankly stated that they, the European Union, has warned President Rayale of another extension and have advised him to consult with the opposition parties and stake holders.
One Response to “Opposition Parties Reject Guurti Extension and Say They Do Not Recognize Rayale As a President Come April 06th”
April 1st, 2009 saat: 6:52 pm
It is sad the Guurti extend Rayale’s term for the second time without regard for the law of the land. What happen to first extension what was accomplished? What guarantees do the people of Somaliland have from Guurti that Rayale will not ask the third extensions. Why reward failure, if the president can not hold the election for the second time, he should be replace. Look at our country we need change.