Somalia’s Democracy: An Intricate Dance of Balancing Clan Dynamics and Modern Governance with Abundant Perplexity and Burstiness

The political landscape in Somalia is incredibly complex, with a delicate balance between deeply entrenched clan structures and emerging democratic aspirations making the crafting of a suitable electoral system a daunting task. While the Proportional Representation (PR) – Closed List system may seem like a viable option, it could actually create more problems for Somalia by consolidating power among larger clans at the expense of smaller ones.

Our political history is a clear illustration of this concern, with leaders routinely extending their terms beyond what is democratically acceptable. While democratic principles are initially defended, they are often dismissed once individuals attain positions of power, leading to a worrisome trend.

Under the PR – Closed List system, larger clans may secure greater representation and maintain it more easily by enabling their leaders to stay in power for longer periods, thus upsetting the balance of representation among clans and undermining democratic principles. This problem is not unique to Somalia, as other nations with complex sociopolitical structures have also struggled with proportional representation systems.

Somalia therefore needs a tailor-made electoral system that ensures fair representation for all clans while respecting its unique context. The Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system presents an alternative approach that could offer balanced representation, with half the seats allocated based on clan representation and the other half filled through party representation based on proportional principles.

However, this system must be accompanied by measures such as a ‘seat cap’ to prevent larger clans from monopolizing power, and quotas to ensure that minority clans have a say in the political process. Additionally, Somalia’s leaders must prioritize the needs of the nation over their own, promote transparency, and uphold democratic principles.

To create a more inclusive political culture, Somalia should introduce political education programs that emphasize democratic values, promote public forums to encourage open dialogue, and involve the international community in providing technical and financial support. Finally, safeguards such as firm constitutional provisions for term limits must be in place to prevent the misuse of power.

Ultimately, the success of Somalia’s democratic journey depends on the will of the people and the integrity of its leaders. By working together to build a fairer and more representative Somalia, where everyone has a seat at the table and no one stays beyond their term, we can pave the way for a truly inclusive and democratic future.