| Somaliland Web |
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HARGEISA SyriaTimes -16-12-2002 - Voters flocked to polling stations in the self-declared republic of Somaliland to vote for local government officials in the first democratic elections for 35 years, officials said. The unrecognised but relatively stable northern area declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, after the overthrow of President Mohammad Siad Barre and the disintegration of the central government. The elections are being held before presidential voting scheduled for the end of January. The Somaliland government has said it hopes the elections encourage international recognition of the enclave. "This is the one of the last steps on the road to recognition," student Mohammed Ahmed said as he voted. "This will help me to have an opportunity to study abroad." Witnesses said long queues of voters snaked from the enclave's 700 polling booths throughout the day, pointing to a potentially high turnout. Somaliland last held democratic elections in 1967. Two years later Barre overthrew the government in a military coup. Voters are expected to elect 300 local government officials -- mayors, deputies and committee members -- in the country's 20 districts. Six political parties are participating, with 1,800 candidates competing for seats. Parties winning 20 percent of the vote in at least three districts will be allowed to participate in presidential and parliamentary elections. The restriction was meant to avoid a proliferation of tribal and clan-based parties, officials said. Elections were suspended for three districts after clashes broke out when Somaliland's president, Dahir Riyale Kahin, visited the areas disputed by rival leaders. |
| Somaliland holds first elections for 35 years |
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