Somaliland’s parliament has approved the final members of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), marking progress toward the presidential election still scheduled for this year. However, political disputes over the registration of new political associations threaten to delay the vote. Under Somaliland’s constitution, only three political parties can contest the presidency, and their certification expires in December 2022. This year’s election schedule has been complicated by the overlap between the presidential poll and the registration of new associations vying for party status.Opposition parties Waddani and UCID insist the presidential election proceed on time with the current three parties, while the government favors completing the political association process first. The NEC is expected to soon release a roadmap, potentially recommending a delay past the 13 November deadline, which would require Guurti approval and likely extend President Muse Bihi’s term.The political deadlock has sparked protests, some turning violent, leaving seven dead and over 100 arrested. Stakeholders remain divided: the government and new associations want separate processes, while the opposition demands linked timelines. Somaliland now faces a critical choice—uphold the legal process despite opposition resistance or risk undermining its democratic credibility with political compromises.