Somaliland elections: a welcome part of the process
The elections in Somaliland are a vital step in the democratic process, but they are not the end of it.
Photo: AMISOM Public Information
Holding decision makers accountable and providing them a mandate for office is a central part of democracy, but the role of the voter does not end as soon as they reach the ballot box. Nor does the politician’s responsibility to their community end when all votes are counted.
The elections in Somaliland must be part of a longer process, one that democratizes institutions, makes them more transparent, and ensures that the people continue to imbue it with democratic legitimacy.
It has been wonderful to see hundreds of thousands of Somalilanders register to vote, to see so many candidates put themselves forward for the elections - including many women. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this surge in participation carried on well beyond May 31? Just as communities have been mobilized to vote, can they be mobilized for human rights, for equality?
A country in which political engagement is high, where the institutions of power are seen to be acting with legitimacy, in which people see that their voice matters not only at election time, is one in which elections cannot be endlessly postponed. It is 16 years since Somalilanders last cast votes for the House of Representatives, and in that time several elections have been mooted and put off. Politics and the decision making does not take a break during this time; it is damaging that accountability can be postponed for so long.
The vitality of the democratic process in Somaliland has been so welcome and energizing to see. When the community is mobilized, when it becomes invested in the formation of government and decision making, it cannot be defeated.
Election days are of particular importance in countries that have experienced conflict. The mass non-violent mobilization of people, the peaceful transition and exercise of power are not guaranteed in this world. We should celebrate the elections in Somaliland. We should take from them the hope that countries also emerging from conflict now planning their own elections - notably Libya - can build a democratic future.
Congratulations to all the record number of women candidates running for parliamentary and council seats in Somaliland, and congratulations on Somaliland being of the first countries in the world to implement biometric technology to increase election security.
Communities: mobilize, vote, and stay engaged. These are your governments, your institutions, make sure that they are working for your interests.