Somalia: Despite promises, Puntland evades multiparty system

GAROWE, Somalia, August 4, 2015 (Garowe Online)-When he was elected as the President of Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was quick to promise that his government would carry on the multiparty system as part of political changes he had proposed to further widen the current political space.

The fine oratory encouraged many to form own political parties to broaden the base of representation for women and marginalized minorities in the region, however extreme reluctance continues to dash hopes for democratic Puntland to-date.

Ali’s administration has shunned several attempts by politicians to establish political parties-something that could pave the way to abortive process.

Pressure has since heaped on the president who delivered several lip-service speeches promising the multiparty system without specifying any date, a political approach that analysts say is aimed at the creation of a single legislative chamber without challenge.

Democratization versus city councils

In a bid to quell the dissenting voice, the president has instead tossed up the selection of councilors by traditional elders.  

Promises beg questions of, is the government focusing on decentralization rather than democratization?

In his evening address on August 1st, Ali glanced at decentralization process and formation of district councils from where he said, democratic ideals begin.

Puntland leader said that he is committed to implementing democracy built upon ‘one person, one vote’ before his term ends.

Democratization programme steering committee which includes donors and EU discussed the nomination of election commission with Puntland President during his last trip to Nairobi.

On December 9, 2014, Lawmakers in Puntland parliament passed 24-clause bill clearing the way for the establishment of credible Electoral Commission.

New clauses governing the nomination of commission secretary-general were included, with role of Constitution Ministry in registration of political associations and supervisions voted out.

Former Puntland President, Abdirahman Mohamed Farole’s administration introduced the state’s first-ever election bill in January 2, 2011.

On July 14, 2014, political spoilers who were mainly vying for Puntland presidency sabotaged municipal elections in the shadow of public incitement.  

GAROWE ONLINE