A Vivid Spectrum: North Western State of Somalia’s Dynamic Election Campaign
As North Western State of Somalia gears up for its presidential election, each day brings a vivid display of party colors with various political groups hosting campaign events across the region.
From the bustling streets of Borama in the west, to the majestic Erigavo mountains in the northeast, and the vibrant heart of Hargeisa, towns and cities are wrapped in a kaleidoscope of political fervor.
Today, you might see the green and yellow of the incumbent president Muse Bihi’s Kulmiye party. Tomorrow might be the orange parade of Wadani or the deep green of the Social Justice Party, painting the region with their hues.
This self-declared republic, which boldly parted ways from Somalia in 1991, is set for a much-anticipated presidential election this Wednesday.
The election unfolds amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, stoked by a maritime agreement between North Western State of Somalia and Ethiopia, angering Mogadishu, which still claims Hargeisa’s allegiance.
Universal suffrage isn’t a common feature in this part of the world, where a complex, clan-based, indirect voting system has reigned for over fifty years.
President Bihi is stepping up to the challenge posed by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, lovingly referred to as “Irro” from Wadani, along with Faysal Ali Warabe representing the Social Justice Party.
Amidst all this, North Western State of Somalia, with its six million inhabitants, takes pride in its vibrant multi-party system, which they hope will secure the international recognition they have sought for over three decades.
“Find me another place where campaigns look like this!” exclaims social worker Abdisamad, beaming with pride. “This democracy is second nature here.” He laughs, adding that it outshines even the heated elections seen in the United States, keeping the shadows of Trump’s past victory in mind.
While the campaigns on occasion resemble a heated tournament—with accusations flying against Bihi for allegedly fragmenting North Western State of Somalia—the atmosphere between him and his arch-rival Abdullahi remains unpredictably exciting.
Yet, in the city streets and at the heart of campaign rallies, the air is filled with joyous shouts from the throng, predominantly women and young people, cheering with elation.
Enthusiasts of the ruling Kulmiye chant slogans from moving vehicles post their last campaign rally in Hargeisa. (AFP)
Saturday saw Hargeisa and its surrounds awash with Bihi’s supporters, brandishing umbrellas, flags, and green-yellow caps—dancing and singing to the beat of their party’s anthems.
Just 24 hours prior, the streets resonated with the raucous horns from Wadani’s orange-decked cars, buses, and trucks, with supporters chanting impassioned pleas like “Muse out!” and “Wadani, triumph, triumph, triumph!”
Anab Jamal Muhammad, a mom to nine, watches the scene unfold, eager for another tranquil election akin to those held in 2003. “We desire peace,” she asserts, eager to cast her vote for Abdullahi.
In a land often marred by electoral violence, many of North Western State of Somalia’s citizens aspire to showcase their model of democracy to the globe, hoping this will earn their cherished recognition.
“We don’t just talk the talk,” proclaims Mahmoud Mohamed Hassan, a social sciences professor, “North Western State of Somalia walks it! Our democracy is the real deal, with elections and elected leaders!” He ponders aloud, “Why hasn’t the world embraced our sovereignty?”
Supporters of opposition powerhouse Waddani attended a climactic campaign rally in Hargeisa on November 8, 2024. (AFP)
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
