GAROWE — In a groundbreaking move that could set a precedent for the rest of Somalia, the semiautonomous region of Puntland has voted overwhelmingly in favor of adopting a popular election system, dismantling its old electoral process. This historic decision marks a significant step forward for democracy and political representation in the region.
The move which sets precedence in the country’s electoral system comes as a beacon of hope for the Horn of Africa nation, marking a crucial step towards enhancing political representation and citizen participation in the region’s governance.
The historic legislation, which was backed by a majority of members in the regional representatives, will replace the existing electoral system with a more inclusive and transparent framework.
Observers believe that Puntland’s decision could serve as a model for the rest of the country, where the electoral process has been marred by violence and disputes in recent years. The Federal Government in Mogadishu has faced criticism for its inability to hold regular and fair elections, exacerbating political tensions and hampering the nation’s progress.
Under the new law, citizens will have a direct say in electing their representatives, allowing them to play a more active role in shaping the Federal Member State’s policies and direction. It also reflects a consensus among Puntland’s leadership to embrace a new era of governance.
The new electoral system, endorsed after weeks of intense debates and deliberations among MPs represents a significant departure from the past, where power was heavily concentrated within select circles, often leading to protracted political crisis and marginalization of ordinary citizens.
Moreover, the old electoral system, marked by closed-door decisions and limited citizen involvement, had often been a breeding ground for public discontent and disengagement.
However, officials say, with the introduction of popular elections, the voices of ordinary citizens in the Northeastern region of Somalia will now hold a more substantial role which transcends the barriers imposed by clan affiliations.
The vote has been hailed as a significant step forward in the region’s pursuit of greater inclusivity and transparency within its electoral processes.
END OF OLD GUARD?
One of the most important aspects of the amendment is the introduction of a cap on the number of political parties allowed to participate in Puntland’s political arena.
With a maximum of nine parties permitted, officials say the Regional Government aims to streamline the political landscape and prevent the fragmentation of votes among numerous smaller parties.
Another key change brought about by the amendment is the shift in the process of electing the President and Deputy President of Puntland.
Under the previous electoral system, in place since the inception of Puntland, only Members of the Parliament participated in the elections, but the amendment implements a “one-man one-vote” system, enabling every citizen to directly take part in choosing the region’s top leaders.
The newly endorsed electoral system also effectively curtailed the traditional elders’ influence and powers they had long maintained in the selection of legislators from their respective constituencies. Instead, it grants citizens the rights to directly elect their own representatives.
By empowering the electorate with this right, the state seeks to promote their representation and influence in the decision-making process.
The successful test run of the “one-man one-vote” system during the recent local council elections in Puntland has icreased public support for its implementation.
Despite facing opposition from the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the feasibility and effectiveness of the new approach have won the backing of the populace.
The passage of the landmark amendment by the House of Representatives marks a significant achievement for Puntland’s democratic principles, officials say.
TURNING POINT
Under the old system, Members of the House of the Representatives were selected through informal arrangement led by the traditional elders of every aub clan, an approach many say has led to limited accountability and weakened ties between elected officials and their constituencies.
The approved changes will establish a fully popular electoral system, wherein citizens will directly elect their representatives without an intermediary list, a development seen as a significant step towards empowering individual voters and enhancing political engagement across the state and the country at large.
As the news of the Parliament’s decision spread across the nation, citizens took to the social media to celebrate the milestone. Many expressed optimism that the upcoming elections would open doors for fresh faces and lead to more responsive leadership.
Meanwhile, the Regional President Said Abdullahi Deni who has been at helm advocating for electoral reforms has been lauded for implementing the new changes, widely perceived as a decisive move against opposition threats of military action if the amendment were to be approved.
With the amendments approved, the opposition’s challenge, including their military actions against the state, has come to an end.
However, some analysts have expressed concerns about potential chaos in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for January 8, 2024. While the “one-man one-vote” system has been hailed as historic, experts warn that the implementation of such a large-scale process may pose challenges and uncertainties as it will require technical extension beyond the mandated term.
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