The three largest political parties in Somaliland have struck a historic agreement that allows women and candidates from minority groups to vie in the upcoming polls.
Somaliland is poised to hold parliamentary and local council elections in early 2021.
For a long time, there had been fears that women would not be given the chance to submit their names for parliamentary or local council polls.
However, Kulmiye Party, UCID, and Wadani Party all struck a deal allowing not only women but people from minority groups in the country to vie.
Specifically, the parties stated that 18 women candidates are now free to vie.
Furthermore, the parties voted to allow three candidates from the country’s outcast clans to stand for the upcoming elections.
The approval comes amid reports that the House of Representatives plans to quash the law on women quota. In their argument, such a law goes against the constitution.