Khaatumo rebel fighters and Somaliland security forces clashed near the town of Hudun (Xudun) in the disputed region of Sool and fought over the election Ballots on Wednesday, while Puntland forces are in standoff with Somaliland troops in the neighbouring province of Sanaag.
On Wednesday morning, the people in Somaliland went to voting station for the local elections. While most people living in the disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag refuse to participate in these local elections.
At least four people are dead in the clashes near the town of Hudun in Sool, after Somaliland forces carrying the election ballots were ambushed by forces loyal to Khatumo movement in Sool.
In Sanaag region, Puntland Forces were on the move blocking major roads leading to the towns of Badhan and Dhahar, a delegation of ministers from Somaliland were preparing to take the election ballots into those two towns. According to residents in Badhan, the Somaliland delegation were forced to delay their trip.
Yesterday, hundreds of Badhan residents demonstrated against Somaliland, they called on the Somaliland government to stop destabilising the region. Elders in the town say they are part of Somalia and the autonomous region of Puntland State.elections”
In Erigavo, the provintial capital of Sanaag, demonstrators blocked the main roads in the town with rocks and burning tyres, on Tuesday.
Locals in Erigavo were upset after rumours circulated, that the election ballots were fixed, accusing the ruling party Kulmiye of trying to steal the people’s vote.
Two people were seriously wounded after the police guarding the voting station in Ergavo opened fire at a mob trying to enter the offices of the election commission.
In Lughaye town in Awdal region (west of Somaliland), one person was killed yesterday, after the police opened fire at demonstrators who were protesting against the election commission and the ruling party Kulmiye.
So far these local elections in Somaliland are the most tens and widely contested local elections in the region. More than five political parts are running for these local councils. Only three are expected to become the official political parties in Somaliland for the coming ten years.
Khalid Yusuf
Horseed Media
