GAROWE, Somalia (Kaab TV) – In a vibrant telling of how North Western State of Somalia is carving out its democratic landscape, Kaab TV’s most recent “Ardaa” episode brought audiences insights into the local pulse—a stirring exploration of Somalia’s democratization from the bottom up.

Against the backdrop of Puntland’s rise as a promising beacon, this episode delved into the trials and triumphs marking the region’s quest for a true democratic identity.

Setting the Stage in Puntland

Picture this: 2023 saw Puntland make headlines by holding the first one-person, one-vote local elections in Somalia for over fifty years—a truly historic moment, laden with challenges and hope.

Sure, the road was rocky, with violent clashes erupting in Garowe. But imagine the perseverance needed to carry on amidst adversity when 36 lives were lost. Yet, triumph was claimed at last; July 2024 saw the successful completion of these landmark elections.

Venturing further, the Puntland Electoral Commission revealed an ambitious five-year strategic plan that stirred imaginations—a blueprint intent on embracing full-scale presidential and parliamentary frameworks. Ask yourself, could this reshape the way traditionally excluded groups—women, youth, and marginalized communities—engage with their political destiny?

Voices of Change

To gauge the winds of change, Kaab TV convened voices from the heart of the community:

• Khadra Mohamed Hassan, Garowe City Council member
• Mohamud Hussein Jama from Goldogob
• Hawo Mohamed, a champion for women’s rights
• Hussein Abdisalam Mohamed, advocate for youth and civic engagement

Youth at the Forefront

“Eighty percent of voters in Puntland are young people,” remarked Hussein Abdisalam, a testament to the groundswell of youth power driving political change. Isn’t it thrilling to envision a realm where the young lead and challenge age-old norms?

Mohamud Hussein Jama’s journey captures a slice of this narrative. Facing skepticism last year—where seasoned politicians wield warnings of terror and death as swords—he stood resilient. Now, his pride is evident as he speaks of 942 young councilors (including himself) actively shaping the governance arena across Puntland.

Women Overcoming Hurdles

Yet, as doors creak open, shadows of challenge persist. Khadra Mohamed Hassan, one of Garowe’s few female councilors, shared her struggles. Battling for votes, largely from women and youth who saw reflections of themselves in her, she encountered systemic barriers—financial constraints, societal bias—painting the campaign trail as a rugged path.

Then there’s Hawo Mohamed unveiling another harsh reality: men-run political parties and tribal politics colluding to clip women’s wings. Isn’t it sobering when talent is overshadowed by tribal allegiance?

Electoral Reform: Navigating the Landscape

It’s said that “laws are like cobwebs, holding fast the weak, yet entangling the mighty.” In Puntland, new electoral regulations risk marginalizing women further, with changes that many feared would tip the scales unfairly. United voices like Hawo’s demanded change, launching protests that echoed through the city’s heart.

The conversation invariably shifts towards what’s yet to come. Future elections could enjoy a pathway cleared by strong legal frameworks, uniting voices and empowering aspirants like Mohamud to pursue dreams unblocked by arbitrary rules.

Unity and the Path Ahead

Khadra and Hawo’s vision is stirring: women backing each other through tumult, advocating passionately, forming possibly a women-centric political force. The camaraderie of youth and women conceives a vibrant political culture, even dreaming of presidential halls filled with diverse voices.

Maintaining Momentum

Hussein concluded with a call to arms—not just for electoral processes alone, but for a society imbued with civic literacy—pointing to rural corners where engagement is scarce. Isn’t it imperative that every individual knows their voice counts?

The success of Puntland’s democratization sits squarely on the community’s shoulders, and as Kaab TV champions these stories, the narrative of struggle coupled with triumph continues to inspire not just a region but a nation.