UCL leads international observation team for Somaliland elections

A group of impartial observers, led by Professor Michael Walls, Director of UCL’s Development Planning Unit (DPU), will monitor the parliamentary and local council elections taking place on 31 May 2021 at which 1.2 million people are registered to vote.

International election observation missions are usually carried out by an organisation such as the European Commission, the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) or the Carter Centre, but because Somaliland is not internationally recognised as a country, UCL is fulfilling this key role with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Observation missions help enhance transparency and accountability during elections, highlighting any issues or malpractice they witness, making recommendations on how electoral processes might be strengthened.

For this year’s mission as for that of 2017, UCL Consultants have provided project and logistical management.

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