Mogadishu (AX) – In a move that signals yet another important moment for Somalia’s democratic journey, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) announced on Saturday the dates set for the by-elections to fill two significant vacancies in the Lower House of Parliament.
As change sweeps through the corridors of power, these vacancies stem from pivotal appointments. Saadaq Omar Hassan, widely recognized by his moniker Saadaq Joon, recently ascended to the role of Deputy Director at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Meanwhile, Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow has taken the helm as Director of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Such transitions remind us of Heraclitus’s ancient assertion: “The only constant in life is change.”
The NIEC has marked the calendar for March 6, earmarking it for the election to fill seat HOP#248, which Saadaq Joon formerly occupied. Close on its heels, March 8 will see the electoral battle for seat HOP#049, once held by Dhuxulow.
Yet, the stage for political engagement is far from complete. Three additional seats stand vacant in the House of the People. One of these was last held by Abdullahi Sanbaloolshe before he took over as Director of the Somali National Security Agency. The other two seats tell a somber tale; they belonged to the late MPs Khadija Mohamed Diiriye and Seeseey. It brings to mind a poignant African proverb: “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” Are these vacancies simply political gaps, or do they highlight deeper issues within?
On January 25, House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madoobe formally called upon the Electoral Commission, hoping to nudge them into urgency, urging the swift filling of all five seats. “Inaction breeds doubt and fear,” he implied, echoing the wisdom of Dale Carnegie. Efficient representation is the cornerstone—almost like the heartbeat—of any vibrant democracy, and filling these seats is central to it.
These upcoming by-elections transcend mere political formality. They’re emblematic of a broader quest as Somalia grapples with multifaceted challenges – both political and security-related. Observers often ponder: In a land with such a tumultuous history, how can progress pave the way toward stability and peace?
While some may see these elections as fleeting interruptions in a political process, they carry the weight of renewed hope and potential. Could these newly filled seats be the key to stronger legislative coherence that might steer Somalia through its labyrinth of challenges?
In this land where the cradle of democracy is gently rocked by the winds of change, each vote gathered, and each voice heard contributes to the evolving narrative of resilience and transformation.
In an anecdote shared with me early in my career, a senior diplomat noted, “Politics is a dance, sometimes graceful, often rugged, but always vital.” As Somalia approaches these electoral milestones, one must ask: Are we mere spectators, or active participants in this crucial dance?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
