Djibouti's presidential election meets int'l standards: observers

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2026-04-14 21:05:15

People line up to vote for the presidential election at a polling station in Djibouti City, capital of Djibouti, on April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) election observation missions have praised Djibouti's presidential election for adhering to national and international standards, contributing to a credible and transparent electoral process.

ADDIS ABABA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) election observation missions have praised Djibouti's presidential election for adhering to national and international standards, contributing to a credible and transparent electoral process.

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station for the presidential election in Djibouti City, capital of Djibouti, on April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

The announcement was released as the AU and IGAD missions issued their respective preliminary statements on Sunday, outlining key findings and recommendations on the overall conduct of Friday's presidential election.

In its preliminary statement, the AU mission said that the election took place "in a calm and peaceful atmosphere." It added that the conduct of the election reflected the Djiboutian people's commitment to peace, stability, national cohesion and the protection of national institutions despite regional security challenges.

Staff members prepare ballots at a polling station for the presidential election in Djibouti City, capital of Djibouti, on April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

It said that the opening, voting and closing of the poll took place without incident and in accordance with the national legal framework, ensuring "a well-coordinated and credible electoral process in line with relevant international standards."

IGAD's team of observers comprised representatives from national election management bodies, civil society organizations and youth groups from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda.

The mission said that the presidential election was conducted "in a peaceful and orderly manner, which is the basis for a free, fair and credible election."

Incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti's presidential candidate for the ruling Union for the Presidential Majority, casts his ballot at a polling station for the presidential election in Djibouti City, capital of Djibouti, on April 10, 2026. (La Nation/Handout via Xinhua)

On Saturday, Djibouti's Ministry of Interior announced that incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, 78, was re-elected for a sixth term with 97.81 percent of the vote. Guelleh defeated his opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Center, who won 2.19 percent.

Djibouti, located at the strategic mouth of the Horn of Africa, is a major hub for international commerce and a key partner in the fight against sea piracy and transnational terrorism. With a population of about one million, the Red Sea nation plays an important role in regional security and global trade routes. ■