The Electoral Commission of Somaliland called for the internet to be turned off during the Presidential Election expected to be held on 8 November 2017, Garowe Online reports. “The commission has requested for the shutdown of the Internet access across Somaliland amid fears of violence during the election period,” said an election expert, who spoke to GO over the phone. “It’s the first time that three influence candidates are vying for the Presidency,” he told GO over the phone on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the Media.
The internet providers have agreed with the Electoral Commission to the shut off of their servers of the internet access and social media platforms to ensure peace prevails throughout the voting.
“We all agreed on the Electoral body’s decision and recommendation. We are waiting for a go-ahead email to shut down the Internet service,” said one of the managers of Internet providers in Hargeisa, told GO by telephone.
The Internet will go down for four days, starting from next Monday, November 13 and continue until 17th of this month to keep the ballot information secret, according to the sources.
Full Article: Somalia: Somaliland to shut down the internet during elections.
