HARGEISA, Somalia Sep 12 (Garowe Online) - Protestors clashed with police in Somalia's separatist republic of Somaliland on Saturday as the election crisis deepened, Radio Garowe reports.

A peaceful protest turned into a violent confrontation after protestors attempted to forcefully enter the parliament building, which was seized last week by Somaliland security forces.

Police officers opened fire to disperse the rowdy crowd, police officials said. At least three civilians were killed in the crossfire and six other people wounded, including three Somaliland police officers.

Hargeisa streets were shut down by angry protestors, who placed large rocks on paved roads to block traffic and burned tires. In one case, a Somaliland police vehicle was burned by the protestors.

Somaliland President Dahir Riyale blamed Kulmiye opposition party for organizing the protest, while urging the public to remain calm.

"If fighting starts in Somaliland, many enemies who are asleep [now] will awaken," Somaliland's leader said.

He noted that the parliament building was supposed to re-open today, after an agreement was reached to ensure the return of proper and legal proceedings.

But President Riyale accused the opposition of organizing violent demonstrations to disrupt ongoing mediation talks aimed at ending Somaliland's election crisis.

Opposition party leaders have demanded that a caretaker government be named to lead Somaliland until a new election date, following the election commission's decision to postpone September's presidential election to a yet-unknown date.

Located in northwestern Somalia, Somaliland unilaterally declared independence in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally. The breakaway region has been relatively stable since the mid-1990s, unlike much of southern and central Somalia where a relentless insurgency rages and thousands of civilians have been displaced.

Source: Garowe Online