Gaborone, Botswana (Hornpost) – The National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Somaliland (NEC) proudly announces that it has been awarded the ICPS Excellence Award 2025 at the 21st Annual International Electoral Awards and Symposium, held in Gaborone, Botswana, from October 1–4, 2025.
This international recognition, organized annually by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), UK and hosted this year by the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana (IEC–Botswana), was conferred upon Somaliland’s NEC in acknowledgment of its outstanding professionalism, innovation, and leadership in strengthening democratic electoral systems.
Significance of the Award
The ICPS Excellence Award is among the most respected global honors in the field of electoral management. It celebrates institutions that have:
Demonstrated efficiency and innovation in electoral processes.
Strengthened citizens’ trust in democratic participation.
Built resilient institutions that underpin sustainable democracy.
Why Somaliland’s NEC Was Recognized
Somaliland’s NEC was commended for:
Introducing the Biometric Voter Registration and Verification System (BVRS/BVVS), becoming the first electoral body in the world to successfully implement this technology.
Organizing credible presidential and national party elections, widely praised by international observers as free, fair, and transparent.
This award stands as a testament to Somaliland’s three decades of democratic achievement, including a constitutional referendum and ten successful national elections.
Statement from the National Electoral Commission
Commenting on the award, the National Electoral Commission of Somaliland stated:
“This global recognition is not just an achievement for the Commission but a victory for the entire nation of Somaliland. It reflects the resilience, determination, and democratic spirit of our people who have chosen peace, stability, and democracy as the foundation of their state. The ICPS Excellence Award elevates Somaliland’s profile in the international arena and affirms that our democratic institutions are functional, transparent, and credible. We dedicate this honor to the people of Somaliland.”
Conclusion
The NEC emphasizes that this award is both a national honor and an international endorsement of Somaliland’s democratic credentials, sending a strong message to the global community that Somaliland is worthy of full international recognition as a sovereign state.
Hornpost staff Reporter
