The recent electoral victory of opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed of the Waddani Party, as President-elect in Somaliland presents a crucial opportunity to advance gender equality and to elevate the role of women in national decision-making. This was formally announced on November 19, 2024, with Abdullahi taking over from incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi with a decisive 64% of the vote. Throughout the election process, women’s rights movements have been instrumental, engaging in dialogue with opposition leaders and developing manifestos towards advocating for increased political and decision-making roles for women, at the national level. These manifestos laid out clear demands for gender inclusion, equality, and justice, which opposition leaders have committed to integrate into their political agenda.
Now, women are looking to the president-elect to honor a greater movement towards gender equality. There is widespread anticipation for the meaningful inclusion of women in key government positions, including cabinet, and for legal reforms to be carried out, which promote gender equality and justice. This moment offers a rare chance to solidify women’s political gains and to institutionalize their participation in shaping Somaliland’s future.
This blogpost explores the significance of Somaliland’s recent peaceful electoral transition and its potential to serve as a catalyst for advancing gender equality. It examines the historical context of democratic progress in Somaliland and the role of women in the electoral process. The post further highlights the opportunities for transformative change in women’s rights and political participation and provides critical recommendations on how the new administration can capitalize on this democratic milestone.
A Snapshot of Somaliland’s Electoral History, its Recent Election Results and the Peaceful Transition of Power
Somaliland established a progressive Constitution and transitioned from clan-based elections to a multi-party system in 2002. In the same year, Somaliland held its first local council elections, followed by the presidential election in 2003 and parliamentary elections in 2005, marked the country’s entry into formal democratic governance, using the “one person, one vote” system. Since then, Somaliland has held several peaceful elections, including concurrent local council and political party elections in 2012, the parliamentary elections in 2021, and a widely praised presidential election in 2017. Every ten years, the licenses of the three existing political parties expire, offering citizens the chance to form new political organizations or re-elect the current ones.
Even though the elections were delayed, the process ultimately remained free and fair. This victory by the opposition is not an isolated event; in 2010, the opposition leader Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo of Kulmiye (Unity) Party also won the presidency, in a conflict-free manner. These repeated peaceful transfers of power highlight Somaliland’s political maturity and its unique approach to governance in a region often marked by instability. The ability to consistently hold free and fair elections, coupled with a culture of accountability, demonstrates the resilience of Somaliland’s democratic institutions.
Although political parties in Somaliland are deeply rooted in clan dynamics and are heavily reliant on the influence of clan elders, the opposition party’s recent electoral victory underscores a shift in voter priorities. The ruling party’s inability to hold the presidential election on time, originally scheduled for November 2022, and its subsequent two-year extension significantly wore out public trust. As a result, the opposition capitalized on this dissatisfaction, presenting itself as a more accountable and responsive alternative. Their decisive victory reflects not only a rejection of the ruling party’s extended tenure but also, a growing demand for adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law and timely governance.
Women in the Front Seat: Steering Somaliland’s Election Towards the Greater Realization of Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
Women, who comprise at least half of the electorate, played a crucial role in shaping the election’s outcome through active participation and advocacy. For the first time, women peace and security champions successfully lobbied political leaders, including the opposition, to adopt clear commitments toward gender inclusion. Their manifestos outlined specific demands for increased representation in government, legal reforms to protect women’s rights, and the institutionalization of gender equality in decision-making processes. With the opposition’s victory, there is renewed hope that there will be actionable policies towards gender equality, marking a turning point for women’s empowerment in Somaliland’s political and social spheres.
Women’s rights and gender equality in Somaliland have evolved over the years, but significant challenges remain. The legal framework in Somaliland provides a foundation for gender equality, with the Constitution guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens, including women, under Article 36. This provision places an obligation on the Government to take measures to promote and protect women’s rights, ensuring their participation in all spheres of life. Somaliland is not formally recognized as a state at the international level and as such, has not signed and ratified key international women’s rights instruments such as Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol). However, its Constitution, recognizes and mandates the State to act in conformity with international law, particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 10) and to implement and interpret fundamental rights and freedoms in line with international human rights conventions (Article 21), which further safeguards women’s rights. Despite this, the practical implementation of gender equality has faced significant barriers. Patriarchal societal norms and cultural practices often hinder the full realization of women’s rights, particularly in rural areas where traditional gender roles are more deeply ingrained.
In addition to these societal challenges, there are gaps in the legal system that affect women’s ability to access justice and equality. While Somaliland has made progress with the establishment of a protective Constitution and some laws that protect women from violence and discrimination, enforcement remain weak. For example, although the Penal Code includes provisions on domestic violence and rape (Articles 398-399, 431, 432 and 440), the laws are not always implemented effectively, and survivors often face societal stigma. Furthermore, the legal framework around issues like inheritance, marital rights, and reproductive health remains insufficiently developed, leaving women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Barriers to gender equality in Somaliland are not only legal but also institutional. The underrepresentation of women in decision-making bodies, particularly in political offices, further exacerbates these challenges. Although women have become more active in civic engagement and have gained visibility in the electoral process, their participation in key leadership roles remains limited. Additionally, economic factors, such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, perpetuate gender disparities.
Recommendations Towards Gender Equality for the New Administration
In concretizing the path towards gender equality, it is therefore recommended that the President-elect prioritize the enactment, implementation and enforcement of laws, such as those addressing domestic violence and discrimination. This includes strengthening the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to ensure survivors of gender-based violence receive justice. The new administration must also work with civil society to enhance the training of judicial officers and legal practitioners in how to effectively address cases involving women’s rights. Further, the President-elect must also ensure that women are appointed to key government roles, particularly within the cabinet, local councils, and other influential political offices by setting quotas for gender balance in political appointments.
Additionally, the new administration must launch a national campaign aimed at transforming harmful gender stereotypes and cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality and prioritize policies that address economic disparities, providing women with equal access to education, financial and employment opportunities. Finally, it is recommended that the President-elect support the passage and implementation of the draft gender policy which will embody the new administration’s agenda to further the protection of women’s rights across all areas of life.
