Polling stations have opened in the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland as voters go to the polls to elect their parliamentary and local representatives. But this will be only the second time that Somaliland holds parliamentary elections. pic.twitter.com/YZIw0dyKyU — Abdirahman Abdishakur (@AAbdishakur) May 31, 2021Rights activists say 13 female candidates are participating in the parliamentary elections alone in a broader effort to increase women’s representation. This is also the first time in Somaliland that two elections — parliament and local councilors — take place at the same time. Despite holding democratic elections, Somaliland failed to gain international recognition as an independent state.

Source: Daily Nation May 31, 2021 10:16 UTC