Presidential poll in Somaliland, breakaway region of Somalia, was free and fair, say observers

International observers: Somaliland poll was fair

HARGEISA, Somalia — A spokesman for a group of international observers says a recent presidential election in Somalia’s northern breakaway region was free and fair.

Michael Walls says campaigns and polling in Somaliland were conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner. Walls says observers noted some irregularities such as misuse of public resources during the campaigns and that the media occasionally faltered in offering balanced coverage.

Incumbent Dahir Riyale Kahin is facing two challengers in Somaliland’s second presidential poll since the region declared its independence in 1991. The region is a haven of relative peace in northwest Somalia with its own security and police forces, justice system and currency. It is not recognized by any other state.