HE Muse Bihi Abdi
What’s the hits or misses?
The success.
Somaliland, the semi autonomous region of Somalia has been relatively stable over the years. It continued to avoid the destructive violence plaguing other parts of Somalia.
The self declared independent state went to the polls to conduct the parliamentary and local elections which was largely seen as its continued effort to redeem itself in its bid to continue to assert its right to independence.
Somaliland invited international observers including political figures from elsewhere in Africa.
Peaceful polls
The call for peaceful elections and orderly vote was common among all leaders of key parties. The polls happened in greatly eased political tension. There was good show in security.
A growing Democracy?
Somaliland’s democratic system has continued to expand and grow over years. International observers have given many positive reviews about ‘the young democracy’
National Electoral commission increased number of polling stations to 2709 up from 1642 due to the anticipated higher turnout.The timetable for voter registration was released in advance.
Those holding public offices resigned before joining politics. Three High Ranking Somaliland officials lost in the ongoing elections despite resigning to contest for the local council seats.
Thirteen female candidates are taking part in the current parliamentary elections. There was only one female in the previous Parliament.
Fifteen years are eligible to vote.
Vibrant campaign
There was vibrant campaign and campaign colour and symbol parties use were regulated.
Security forces were placed at polling stations, some areas have been declared a restricted zones for the supporters and fans of party of Kulmiye, UCID and Waddani (the three leading parties) as security and election officials have been watching out rows to ensure that their symbols or signs of political parties are not; carried in the voting queues.
Has Mogadishu responded?
Mogadishu remained relatively quiet about the vote and the growing spectrum of Somaliland’s political scene.
Somalia federal government has even factored in the Somaliland representation in the coming polls following an election consultative conference where all the leaders from all political players broke the dreadlock and reached a consensus.
What were the mishaps?
There is no perfect election. Even developed democracies find it hard to achieve a perfect scenario.
Parliamentary polls is more than ten years late, Municipal elections, held at the same time, are also four years late.
Clan matrix largely formed the alliances.
Five opposition candidates were arrested in the run up to the vote.
The attitude towards the media at some stage was some blunder as some media outlets were shut.
Somalia considers Somaliland as part of its territory. Several rounds of talks over possible unification have failed to reach a breakthrough and the region continues to assert its right to independence.
