The Horn of Africa country’s using iris scan biometric technology to identify voters – which is a first for Africa.

Being a leading democracy in Africa hasn’t paid off for Somaliland.

It’s independence goes unrecognized internationally – even though its union with Somalia and eventual break both took place after decolonization.

Today’s election was delayed by financial constraints, political disagreement and drought.

Former colonial power Britain is financing   60 international observers from 27 countries who are  checking on the race between three  candidates to replace President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud who is standing down.

All three candidates have expressed their confidence in country’s independent electoral commission.

Results are expected by late this week.

The post Somaliland’s delayed third election is peacefully underway appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.

The Horn of Africa country has fewer than a million inhabitants but occupies a strategic position on one the world’s busiest shipping routes.

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A divided opposition and lack of strong challengers virtually ensures Ismail Omar Guelleh a fourth mandate.

Term limits have been scrapped in Djibouti that’s had only two presidents since independence from France in 1977.

France, the United States and Japan have military bases in the country on the Bab el Mandeb Strait.

China is building its first foreign naval base there – skirting volatile regions in Africa and Middle East.

Guelleh has promised to use revenue from these military visitors to ease the grinding poverty affecting a quarter of his population.

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