somaliland's peaceful power transfer - the beauty
of democracy.
I have been to a polling place in Hargiesa, capital of Somaliland,
to watch people cast their ba llots. The line were much
manageable than they were in early elections when people were
qu euing for long hours. Somaliland hosted presidential election on
26th June 2010 and Oppositi on leader Mohamed Siilanyo was
declared winner weeks later. Many people in Somaliland urg ed
that this election was not the first and will not be the last, which
prevail commitment to wards sustainable democracy.
There is something inspiring about watching people of Somaliland
vote to elect their fourth president. The faces of the voters filled
with hope and faith in democracy process. Although the international
community did not spend much on introducing democracy to Somaliland,
but still the people believed democracy more than the developed
world. This was one of the most beautiful sights that I ever
witnessed: as citizen of region dominated by Kings and dictators.
A young voter said this line to the polling station is sign of
growing democracy at the hands of its people. He added we take for
granted that every adult has a right to vote and that pr
esidential power will transfer peacefully. "This is homegrown
democracy and people of Somalil and are well-versed in
building free, modern and democratic state, unlike the regional
countr ies run by diehard regimes and who stick on power until last
days of his life." He concluded.
Somaliland is an example to many African bloody elections including
Kenya and the recent first round of presidential election in Guinea.
Another rarity of Somaliland democracy: opposition parties control
current parliament, and the president must won their support in any
changes in the country. This eliminated corruption and misuse in
Somaliland.
This time, the people of Somaliland voted for change that brought
Opposition Leader and new President of Somaliland Mohamed Siilanyo
to power; he has difficult job ahead. The current ch ange is a
clear message to all politicians that people can vote any leader out
of power.
The new president should be ready to lead a democratic nation
rejected by the international community; he should convince the
world that Somaliland is better place and deserves to be recognized.
He should approach the international community different manner at
this time. The president formed high-qualified cabinet ministers
with 95% holding PhD certificates, incl uding three women getting
ministerial posts. This is the first time that women have been given
such high level of delegation in Somaliland cabinet.
On 27th July 2010, exactly one month after election results were
announced and power tran sfer ceremony organized and large
number of dignitaries from neighboring countries like Djib
outi, Ethiopia and Kenya attended, in addition to Europeans and UN.
The power was transfer red to the new leader peacefully and
under the watchful of international community. Many people
misbelieved that unrecognized Somaliland will fall into chaos during
such transitional period. However Somalilanders disapproved them.
Others around the world could not believe that an unrecognized
African country will carry out such splendid democracy and power
tran sfer without bloodshed. It is common in Africa to see leader
hanging on the power for sixty years.
Currently, Kenya is preparing for constitutional election and
international organizations evac uated all international staff
to safe locations, fearing that similar bloody fighting will start
ag ain like earlier elections. One of my Somali friends in Nairobi
told me that all foreign employees of UN and other international
agencies are been evacuated and are not allowed to stay out
side the camp late night. In other hand, foreign workers and
agencies in Somaliland did not notice the power transfer and
election due to its civilized, democratic, peaceful and smooth
manner.
Somaliland is figures, and new President Siilanyo is reading such
transparent figures from ou going government (UDUB party led
government).The outgoing leader handed over all duties to new
president, and he is on vacation with hand the ceremony was to
complete the formaliti es.
Today, officially Somaliland gets new leaders Mr. Mohamed Siilanyo
who will lead the nation n ext five years. The country
remained very stable and solid during the month long transition
period, which shows that stability and respect to law&Order in
Somaliland. It is very clear to everyone that Somaliland is not a
nation of one man like many Africans, and that One-Man-Show is no
more in Somaliland.
Let us all congratulate to people of Somaliland for showing maturity
in practicing their democ ratic rights; and to both leaders
for the commitment to respect the constitution of Somaliland and the
desire of the people. Africa, particularly the neighboring
countries, needs to learn lessons from Somaliland and that vote of
the people to be the decision-maker.
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