Somaliland’s presidential election, scheduled for November 15, 2022, has been derailed by political, legal, and technical disputes, deepening mistrust among key stakeholders. The impasse stems from unresolved flaws in the electoral system, including the constitutional limit of three political parties. Current party leaders benefit from the system and have shown little interest in reforms, while disputes over the timing of presidential and party license elections have intensified. President Muse Bihi’s proposal to hold party elections before the presidential poll has been rejected by the opposition, which accuses him of seeking an illegal term extension. Rivalry between the ruling Kulmiye party and main opposition Waddani is further inflamed by underlying clan dynamics, with each side wary of losing political dominance. Amid the political deadlock, the Salafi reformist movement Al I’tisaam has gained significant influence, challenging Somaliland’s constitutional democracy and promoting an Islamist political vision that rejects Sufism and mainstream Shafi’i traditions. Its rise, combined with election delays, threatens Somaliland’s stability, governance, and its role as a secure and cooperative regional partner. A political compromise, possibly combining presidential and party elections in a single event, could avert further instability, but it will require rare political maturity and unity of purpose from Somaliland’s leaders.