Mogadishu (AX) — In a captivating move toward bolstering local governance, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) of Somalia recently declared its intent to conduct Local Council Elections in June. This electoral endeavor, spanning pivotal regions like Gedo and Khaatumo, forms a cornerstone of the federal government’s broader strategy for decentralization.
Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, the NIEC chairperson, unveiled an interesting array of details in a dialogue with Somali National Television. He indicated that approximately 800 polling stations have been earmarked for these elections. These stations will dot the landscapes of Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland—including Gedo—and South West State, not forgetting the nascent SSC Khaatumo administration. The groundwork for these elections, he mentioned, was meticulously laid through consultations with leaders from most federal member states.
However, the road to participating in this democratic process has been paved with stringent requirements for political organizations. In an era where credibility is king, as Abdikarin elaborated, all aspiring groups must register anew with the NIEC. And organizations already in the system are expected to refresh their credentials. The touchstone for qualification involves showcasing a membership base not less than 10,000 strong—a measure designed to validate substantial backing and legitimacy in the political arena.
In what promises to be a simultaneous poll exercise, elections across these regions are slated to unfold over a solitary day. Remarkably, Mogadishu, with its storied past, stands poised to be a central figure in these elections. Decisions to mark districts for polling evoke historic nuances, dating back to the era that acknowledged 95 districts under the former military regime—albeit, the NIEC’s streamlined approach now confines this to 65 districts for a simplified electoral process.
Yet, the beauty of such ambition isn’t devoid of imperfections. Like a climber eyeing a treacherous peak, the electoral plan confronts formidable obstacles. Political discord between the federal government and both the Northeastern State and Jubaland administrations casts long shadows. Opposition factions, too, vocalize objections, leaving unanswered the pressing query: Is the vision of nationwide elections a feasible reality?
Echoes of skepticism reverberate as these entrenched challenges spark contemplative reflection. Consider a seasoned political analyst’s observation: “Somalia’s political landscape is like a tapestry, intricate yet fragile. How does one weave new patterns without tearing the old fabric?” Indeed, these elections—an epitome of change and continuity—invite not just participation but introspection.
“Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” — Naomi Klein
Was it wise, some might wonder, to embark on such expansive electoral groundwork without solidified alliances? The delicate equilibrium between aspiration and reality wobbles in Somalia’s volatile political milieu. Yet, where challenges exist, so too does the potential for incremental growth and fresh dialogues among erstwhile antagonists.
As Somalia meanders through this electoral narrative, one can’t help but glimpse the subtle echoes of its history, resonating through the very districts that will serve as loci for newfound democratic assertions. While disputes and disparities persist, their very presence offers an unorthodox form of hope: the possibility that challenge may spur innovation, that tension might fertilize new understanding.
The initiatives taken to transcend past divisions and to aim for shared governance could well be the enduring legacy of this electoral journey. It’s a narrative replete with similes for old rivalries and allegorical nods to the promise of reformative politics—a story still unfolding, full of possibilities, and punctuated by poignant questions and poignant insights.
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
