International observers from countries including the U.S., Canada, Sweden, the U.K., Ethiopia, and South Africa came to observe the election mostly as members of NGOs. The Observers gave favorable reports but noted some variation in the management of different polling stations and a lack of voter age restriction enforcement. The elections were described as "among the freest and most transparent democratic exercises ever staged in the Horn of Africa." The elections served as a signal to the international community that Somaliland should be respected and acknowledged and were a point of pride for the men and women of Somaliland. Despite the success of its democratic elections, Somaliland has not yet received international recognition.