Mogadishu (AX) — In a moment that resonates with the aspirations of many, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has made a decisive declaration: Somalia will not revert to its previous system of indirect elections. With passion and conviction, he argues that the locus of political power must reside firmly with the people.
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During a remarkable dinner event held in Mogadishu on Sunday night, designed to honor delegates from the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference, Barre took the opportunity to reaffirm his government’s steadfast commitment to democratic reform. He actively endorsed the recommendations presented during this significant forum, highlighting the collective effort required to steer Somalia toward a brighter democratic future.
“The DanQaran government is deeply committed to advancing proposals surrounding elections,” Barre emphasized, reinforcing the vital role that national stakeholders play in shaping a democratic process that accurately reflects the people’s will. “It is simply no longer feasible to go back to an indirect election system,” he asserted. “Our primary objective is to restore power to the Somali people.” Here, one can almost feel the anticipation in the room, a collective breath held as a new chapter in Somali politics begins to take shape.
This pivotal announcement comes amid Somalia’s ongoing endeavors to revamp its electoral process. Since the last time Somalia experienced a genuine one-person, one-vote election in 1969, most subsequent elections have largely been dictated by a clan-based power-sharing formula. In this system, political leaders have been selected through indirect negotiations among elders and elite representatives. One has to wonder: what are the implications of such a historical trajectory for the Somali people today?
Barre further explained that the proposals emerging from Somali scholars, elders, and civil society members during the consultative forum will be instrumental in guiding the nation’s democratic transition, as well as in shaping the architecture of future elections. “Public consensus and active participation remain fundamental to our state-building efforts,” he stated, underlining a democratic ethos that prioritizes inclusivity.
“We must transition to a unified electoral process that brings together all Somalis,” he urged, calling out the urgency of leaving behind the complications of indirect politics. “Overcoming the divisions and conflicts that have so long held our nation back is essential.” His words resonate deeply, serving as a reminder of the potential unity can bring when a community is galvanised around a shared goal.
The prime minister also connected the reformation of the electoral system to broader national objectives, such as enhancing security, fostering economic growth, and ensuring long-term political stability. He implored political actors to unite in order to tackle the challenges hindering Somalia’s post-conflict recovery. Yet, as with any ambitious endeavor, skepticism lurks in the shadows—especially from opposition leaders who have voiced doubts regarding the timeline and the feasibility of these reforms.
The National Dialogue Conference has attracted a diverse array of high-profile figures, including former presidents, federal and state officials, and influential Somali leaders. However, the absence of key opposition parties and the Northeastern State administration looms large. Their boycott stemmed from concerns about procedural flaws and what they felt were exclusionary practices by the federal government. This raises thought-provoking questions: how do we ensure that all voices are heard in a country yearning for unity?
Officials in Somalia harbor hopes of conducting the next round of national elections within the current parliamentary cycle. Yet the journey toward comprehensive electoral reform remains riddled with complications, from persistent security challenges to ongoing negotiations with federal member states. It’s essential to recognize that the path to a more democratic Somalia, while fraught with obstacles, also brims with opportunities for growth and unity.
Amidst this volatile yet hopeful landscape, there’s a shared understanding that the road to genuine democracy cannot be paved in haste. The commitment to embrace a new electoral narrative is a collective effort. As we move forward, one must ask: will this new paradigm of governance fulfill the aspirations of the Somali people, and how might it impact future generations?
In conclusion, while Prime Minister Barre’s assertions illuminate a progressive vision, the true test of Somalia’s electoral ambitions lies not only in the framework of laws but also in the collective will of its people. How they navigate these complexities will define the essence of democracy in Somalia for years to come.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
