THE people of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland went to the polls today in a key presidential election that was delayed for two years.

The vote, Somaliland’s fourth presidential election, comes as the Horn of Africa region is once again experiencing political tension.

Local media showed voters queuing to cast their ballots, with many saying they want a stronger economy and more jobs, among other local priorities.

More than a million people were expected to cast votes at more than 2,000 polling stations, with some 28 international observers spread across the country.

President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye Party is seeking a second term after seven years in office, during which he has pushed for Somaliland's international recognition.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party campaigned on a platform of democratic reforms and social cohesion, while Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party advocates for a national unity government.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, reached an agreement with neighbouring Ethiopia recently to grant it access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for recognition.

This further raised political tensions with Somalia, which accuses Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity.