Somaliland Parties Agree On Poll Dates

Three key political parties in the breakaway republic of Somaliland have finally reached a consensus on dates for the country’s local and presidential elections, ending weeks of political gridlock after President Dahir Riyale's term was extended for one year. Sources say Riyale’s ruling UDUB party and the opposition Kulmiye and UCID parties have collectively agreed to hold local authority elections on December 15, 2008, followed by the presidential election on March 15, 2009. [P.E]