On December 24, 2025, a significant development emerged from Arbaco as the Somaliland Electoral Commission (Komishanka Doorashooyinka Somaliland) officially announced the reopening of the voter registration process. This decision has sparked debates among various political parties, particularly the Kulmiye and Waddani parties, which prefer to register only those who have never been registered before. In contrast, the Kaah party advocates for a comprehensive re-registration of all eligible voters.
The Commission clarified that this move is rooted in Somaliland’s electoral laws, specifically the General Law on Elections and Voter Registration. The primary aim is to establish a transparent process that guarantees broad participation from citizens, ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot in future elections.
As per the Commission’s announcement, the reopening of voter registration will rely on the existing voter data, incorporating necessary updates to ensure its accuracy. This presents an opportunity for citizens who have recently reached voting age, those who have lost their voter cards, and individuals wishing to change their polling stations to register and participate in the upcoming elections.
The voter registration process will be available at an impressive 500 locations spread across various districts and regions. This extensive outreach is designed to ensure that the service reaches the public equitably, enabling everyone to get involved in the democratic process.
Furthermore, the Commission emphasized that the existing voter database will undergo technical revisions, following recommendations from independent experts who previously assessed the registration system. This review aims to rectify any discrepancies and enhance the integrity of the voter list.
Transparency is a key component of the registration and revision process. The Commission has stated that the three main political parties—Kulmiye, Waddani, and Kaah—will have the opportunity to participate fully in monitoring the process, ensuring that all actions taken are open to scrutiny and accountability.
Looking ahead, the Electoral Commission plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment by the end of January 2026. This evaluation will set the stage for announcing the official timeline for the reopening of voter registration, as well as the date for the elections, in accordance with electoral regulations.
The decision to reopen voter registration has been welcomed by the Kulmiye and Waddani parties, but the response from the Kaah party remains uncertain as their stance diverges from the majority perspective.
