[2] In a decree on 26 December 2007, President Ismail Omar Guelleh set the election date for 8 February 2008.

[5] The newly formed Arta Region was represented as a separate constituency for the first time in the 2008 election.

[1][2] According to Dileita, the government's refusal to introduce proportional representation was due to the need to preserve "the tribal balance", pointing to chaotic conditions of neighboring Somalia as an example to avoid.

[2] The African Union and the Arab League observed the election and gave it a positive assessment.

[7] Yacin Elmi Bouh, the Minister of the Interior, announced on 9 February that the UMP had won all 65 seats and placed turnout at 72.61%, which he said was the highest in 15 years.