Somaliland Elections: Calling all the political Parties to show sense of responsibility and leadership

Waxa qoray: Ahmed Gulet Hersi

The recent local government elections have proven to be a success which resulted in the formation of the current political parties Kulmiye, Ucid and Udub that are set to contest for the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Somaliland. But already, the momentum of Presidential election comes closer than ever, the heat of elections campaign for the rival political parties culminates on it is highest point, which is due on the 14th of April 2003.  However, for the first time after 35 years the people of Somaliland are gearing up towards building and restoring democratic principles after long absence of elected government.  Such initiatives can subsequently pave the way to a new era in Somaliland’s political landscape and bring about a great improvement and also contribute to move forward, towards accomplishing viable democratic state in a turbulent region of Africa.  It seems promising from the outset, to try to emulate the institutions and the systems that are worked so well in many parts of the world.  Bearing in mind that we apart of this world however, I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t succeeded on this transitional period and social transformation that could broadly lead to the future moderation of our country and strengthening the institutions that we are currently laying brinks for at the present time, in which we are destined to make it durable in the long term.

Now the people of Somaliland are at the crossroad in dealing with a quite crucial moment of history giving the fact that the people rather unfamiliar with this newly found sense of direction and the introduction of democracy, which is set to replace our traditional system, (Shirbeeled) which have transported us to this stage. It is also essential not to relinquish our customary norms and values irrespective of these popular demands for change at meantime.

Elections are democracy in action and these elections carries political and constitutional significance in Somaliland in addition to that, any elected government after the elections should be able to promote and seek to again truth all across the regions from Saylac to Lascanood regardless of any opposition to that particular Party elected.  Such action could avert any political wrangling soon after the elections, which may impair our reputation and create an air of mistruth.  Such acts can be avoided, if we put an emphasis on forming an inclusive government with a collective sense of coherence that represents all Somailanders soon after the elections.

However, it is imperative to carry out these elections under an atmosphere that allows the citizens to cast their votes and elect legitimate government of their choice that could lead and advocate the interest of the nation a whole into the next stage. We shall not overlook that these elections are also beginning of something that we are not accustomed to.

It is widely believed that if these series of elections, such as Presidential and Parliamentary proceeds as planed, we have certainly achieved a great degree of maturity, which could undoubtedly help us to gain international recognition, and bring to an end our long standing isolation due to a lack of international recognition.

Furthermore, there are incredible high stakes in these elections and the future of our country virtually depends on how we carry out these elections.  That is why we are calling all the political parties concern to show sense of responsibility and leadership for the sake of our country.  Indeed there are huge disparities on many of the issues but one thing we all agree on is to uphold Somaliland itself, which is the central core of our society. Nevertheless, it would be vitally important to ally ourselves to at least to have common consensus and except our coexistences in order to safeguard the interest of our country and to prioritise our national unity.  However, in world of politics there are always winner and loser, yet these testing times will bring out a whole new cast of characters in Somaliland’s political arena. Yet these underlined issues are directly aimed at the leaders of opposition Parties and the ruling Party.

The only board that can play a decisive role on these elections in administering and ensuring a genuine refereeing in this political contest is the National Election Commission of Somaliland. It is indispensable to demonstrate the integrity of the organisation to ensure to win truth for all a cross political spectrums in order to achieve a free and fair election.

All in all, the processes democratisation in Somaliland has become the prime focus in the region of horn of Africa. The Republic of Somaliland has embraced the definite social change for pressing a head for the forthcoming elections in bid to enhance the living standard of its population and to obtain international recognition as a result.

Furthermore, I am intrigued by the courage and the will of determination cherished by the people of Somaliland.  But inspiration for the triumph of the democracy in Somaliland will prevail despite the challenges a lay head.


Ahmed Gulet Hersi   “Ahmed Guray”
ahmeddeq@hotmail.com