Paper short abstract:

Since 2002, Somaliland has held a series of elections and external donors have found ways to support both domestic and international observation while denying recognition of the polity itself. This paper considers the implications for the practice of election observation in Somaliland.

Paper long abstract:

Somaliland has established a notable system of representative elections, notwithstanding a persistent pattern of electoral delay. In spite of the lack of sovereign international recognition, members of the international community have consistently found ways to support both domestic and international election observation while denying formal recognition of the polity itself. This paper considers the implications of that context for the practice of observation in Somaliland. Specifically, external parties have tended to channel funds and non-financial input into electoral processes through non-traditional channels. For example, domestic observation has been supported through unusual arrangements with civil society partners that have arguably had variable results - some positive; some negative. International observation, similarly, has required donor engagement with non-traditional international observation partners, notably the UK university that the proposer of this panel works for and under whose auspices he has led international observation missions. The paper will explore some of the implications these arrangements have had for election observation in Somaliland.