Somaliland is entering a critical political phase as President Muse Bihi’s five-year mandate nears its end and opposition parties reject a two-year term extension as unconstitutional. By December 26, the 10-year licenses of the three official political parties will expire, creating a rare “no-party” democracy. The constitution allows only three political parties, determined every decade through competition among political associations. This year, 12 associations are set to compete, potentially ending the dominance of Kulmiye, Waddani, and UCID, which have long been tied to specific clan interests. The shift could open the door for leaders from underrepresented clans such as the Dhulbahante and Gadabursi, as well as the first woman-led political association in Somaliland. While this presents a unique opportunity to expand political pluralism and reinvigorate democracy, it also poses risks. Without comprehensive electoral reform, the new political landscape could replicate the stagnation and clan-driven politics of the past decade. The National Electoral Commission plans voter registration and possibly presidential elections in 2023, but legal clarity and sequencing remain uncertain. The outcome of this transition will determine whether Somaliland strengthens its democratic institutions or continues under entrenched political patterns.