Djibouti Elections and Political Process (DEPP)

Djibouti’s 2011 Presidential and Regional elections are its third presidential election and second regional council election since gaining independence in 1977. These elections could serve as a break with the status-quo and could introduce a level of competition and pluralism that has not been seen in Djibouti. Regional Council seats, which are comprised of a number of non-party affiliated independent members, will be up for election and could provide the opportunity for broader participation at the local level. At the Presidential level, President Guelleh’s constitutional mandate ends in 2011 leaving the door open for new leadership.