OP-ED: Hon. Marwa Bashir’s Unconventional IPU Candidacy: A Divisive Move in Somali Politics

If you've been following Somali social media, you've probably noticed the stark division of public opinion regarding Hon. Marwa, a member of the Somali Parliament. Her unorthodox bid for a leadership position within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has not only raised eyebrows but has also led to a deep schism in public sentiment, with some expressing strong reservations about her actions. This unconventional approach has certainly set her apart from the traditional norms and diplomatic procedures that typically govern such endeavors.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization of national parliaments, serving as a platform for parliamentary cooperation, global issue discussions, and democracy promotion. Much like other parliamentary bodies to which Somalia belongs, such as the Arab, African, and OIC Parliaments, the IPU is composed of member countries, each represented by their national parliament. Participation in the IPU is, in principle, based on national agendas and priorities rather than personal motivations or ambitions.

While Hon. Marwa's decision to run for a leadership position in the IPU is not inherently problematic, the manner in which she pursued her candidacy and the circumstances surrounding it have given rise to concerns. Her declaration of a unilateral and independent candidacy, asking for personal monetary funding from fellow MPs, deviates from established parliamentary election procedures and customary diplomatic norms.

The IPU is an organization where consensus, cooperation, and diplomacy play pivotal roles in decision-making processes. This involves representatives from national parliaments coming together to discuss global issues and reach agreements. National interests are paramount in these discussions, and the cooperation of a country's parliamentary members is vital to advancing its agenda within the IPU.

For an individual to stand as a candidate in a leadership election within the IPU, it is generally expected that the decision is taken in alignment with the national government and parliament's strategy. Additionally, monetary elements are normally not involved in such campaigns. When necessary, financial support for the campaign and necessary travel expenses are traditionally provided by the state or relevant institutions. Hon. Marwa's independent approach, her appeal for crowdfunding by deduction of MPs' salaries, and the questionable timing of her candidacy do not reflect the standard procedure for IPU elections, or any procedure for that matter.

Furthermore, her candidacy came after the Somali government had already expressed its support for another candidate, a Tanzanian representative. This support, naturally communicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the national agenda and the interests of Somalia.

Speaker Madobe, who initially supported Hon. Marwa's bid, appeared to rethink his position, indicating a significant shift in support within the Somali parliamentary delegation. His initial support and the timing of his reversal can be points of discussion, but there is no question that both came months after the Government's endorsement of the Tanzanian candidate.

Now there are talks about leaked diplomatic notes and MoUs regarding this issue, along with other agreements reached by Somalia and Tanzania. While I cannot confirm or deny these documents, if true, they understandably reflect the nature of international diplomacy and cooperation.

Ambiguity, unorganized communication, and poor coordination between the legislative and executive are evident and have led to unforgivable confusion. This situation is especially perplexing given that Somalia has two foreign affairs committees, one in each house of parliament, and nearly half of its cabinet members are also MPs. The lack of clear and coordinated communication within these bureaucracies has added to the confusion surrounding the IPU election.

What happened today? Today, Hon. Marwa's bid for IPU leadership ended in defeat at the hands of a long-serving IPU member, lawyer, and Tanzanian MP, Tulia Ackson, who is a former Tanzania National Parliament Speaker, former Deputy Doesjer, and former Attorney General of the country. The circumstances leading to this outcome are far from ordinary. Her independent candidacy and the fact that she competed against a highly experienced opponent with a strong IPU track record and an endorsement from her own country and many others, including Somalia, might explain the results. However, the complexities of such elections often revolve around decisions made in closed-door meetings within respective capitals before the official voting.

And even if votes were awarded spontaneously upon hearing the speeches of candidates, anyone who watched Hon. Marwa's selection and the mix of reactions from the member audiences can attest to an atmosphere full of confusion and discomfort.

In conclusion, The IPU elections are closely tied to a nation's foreign policy, national goals, and diplomatic norms. While it's admirable for someone to seek global leadership roles, it should align with the nation's strategy and collaborative efforts. Hon. Marwa's unique approach, coupled with limited backing from her parliamentary team, casts doubt on her respect for diplomatic standards and dedication to her nation's global objectives. Here, personal goals seemed to overshadow her role as a stateswoman, potentially resulting in a disappointing outcome for many.

By Mohamed Haji

Email mohaji.ahmed@gmail.com