UN envoy to Somalia concerned with Somaliland elections postponement

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HARGEISA, Somalia, May 13, 2015 (Garowe Online)-United Nations envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay has expressed deep concern over the postponement of Somaliland elections by 22 months on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Ambassador Kay said on his twitter handle that the move by Somaliland House of elders to extend presidential term by a year and ten months needs reconsideration.

“Deeply concerned by move to postpone Somaliland elections by 22 months. Urge reconsideration,” tweeted Kay while stressing that it is a time to set positive example for democracy.

The fresh concerns come a day after Somaliland’s forum for tradition extended President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud’s term in office for a year and ten months.

The term extension sparked stiff opposition with Wadani, main opposition party leader Abdirahman Irro calling the decision ‘illegal’.

Police forces have stormed offices of Wadani party, arresting figures and breaking up anti-government demonstrations, in the second largest city, Burao.

READ: Presidential term extension leads to mass protest in Somaliland 

GAROWE ONLINE 

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