Somali leaders are at a critical crossroads, where their determination to push forward radical reforms must be consoled with wisdom and caution. If they do not recognize when to pause and allow society to catch up, they risk appearing out of touch with the evolving realities of their nation’s capacity for change. There is a growing sense of urgency around Somalia’s political system, particularly in terms of electoral reform. It is no secret that the country has been without a genuinely democratic, one-person, one-vote election for 45 years, and the thirst for political change is intense. However, while it is essential to begin the process of reform through the establishment of election laws, political party regulations, an independent election commission, and other key structures, it is equally important to avoid hasty steps that might leave behind legislative flaws.
Reform, when rushed, can do more harm than good. If the process of creating election laws is not handled carefully, it could undermine the very goal of holding a free, fair, and inclusive election. The goodwill of the Somali people, who are eager for a return to democratic elections, will be worn out if the legislation is flawed or incompetent. The goal is not just to create laws for the sake of appearing to take action, but to create meaningful, durable structures that will allow for a democratic system to function long-term. The current push for reform is not just about satisfying a political timeline, but about laying the foundation for a future that respects the will of the people.
The Long Wait for Democratic Elections
For over four decades, Somalia has been without a popular, general election. The last one was held in 1969, and since then, the country has experienced political instability, civil war, and a collapse of the state. Despite these challenges, Somalia’s leaders have continually promised a return to democracy, but various political, logistical, and economic barriers have prevented the realization of this vision. Today, the people of Somalia have waited long enough. They are ready for the right to choose their political leaders through a transparent, credible, and participatory electoral process.
The friendly partners of the international community have also long urged Somalia to adopt democratic reforms. A vibrant democracy that can hold free and fair elections is seen as crucial not only for the stability of the nation but also for its future development. However, the pressures of global expectations should not overshadow the reality of Somalia’s internal challenges. The path toward democratization must be driven by the people of Somalia themselves, not merely by external pressures or imposed deadlines. Leaders must understand the delicate balance between pursuing reform and allowing the country to evolve in its own time.
In recent years, the Somali government has made steps toward implementing electoral laws, but these efforts have been slow and troubled by the opposition. Many politicians both in the national government and regional states have raised concerns about the feasibility of moving toward a popular election system. Some argue that the country is not yet ready for such a drastic change, citing issues like security, infrastructure, and political fragmentation. While these concerns are not without merit, they should not be used as an endless excuse to indefinitely delay progress.
Political Opposition and the Role of Regional States
A significant factor in the delay of Somalia’s democratic reforms is the role of political opposition. In a country as complex and divided as Somalia, it is inevitable that there will be resistance to change. Some of this resistance is rooted in genuine concerns about the timing and execution of reforms, but much of it stems from a desire to retain political power. Political opponents often act out of self-interest, seeking to maintain control over their own constituencies and regions. Some heads of regional states, for example, view any shift toward a centralized, democratic election process as a threat to their authority and power.
These leaders often use the political system as a bargaining chip to extract personal and regional gains from the national government. Their demands, which often focus on resource control and political autonomy, are not always aligned with the long-term needs of the Somali people. Instead of working collaboratively to ensure the smooth implementation of democratic processes, some regional leaders have been willing to sabotage reforms to maintain their own grip on power. This is a classic example of political opportunism, where leaders prioritize their own narrow interests over the collective good.
The challenge for Somalia’s national government is to navigate this complex political landscape. The temptation may be strong to negotiate with regional leaders to ensure their support for reforms. However, doing so can lead to compromises that undermine the integrity of the democratic process. If leaders concede craven out of fear of the pressures to the demands of regional factions, they risk continuing a system where political power is distrusted, and distributed unequally and unfairly, making it harder for the people to exercise their democratic rights and the trust of their government.
The Danger of Delay and the Call for Action
One of the most frustrating aspects of Somalia’s democratic journey has been the cycle of delay. Every time a proposal for electoral reform is put forward, political opponents find reasons to stall the process. Some argue that the country is not yet ready for a one-person, one-vote election, citing issues such as ongoing security concerns, lack of infrastructure, or political divisions. While these are valid points, they should not be used as an excuse to indefinitely postpone the introduction of democratic reforms.
There comes a point when the need for change outweighs the obstacles. Somalia has been without democratic elections for far too long, and the people are becoming increasingly impatient. They have waited for decades for the opportunity to elect their representatives in a fair and transparent election, and it is simply unacceptable to delay the process any further. The longer the country waits, the more it risks further political disillusionment, increased instability, and even violence or backwardness.
The argument for reform is simple: the Somali people have the right to choose their leaders. Every time the political process is delayed or obstructed, the credibility of the government is undermined, and the chances for real democratic progress become more remote. It is time for Somalia’s political leaders to stop playing games and take decisive steps to create the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for free and fair elections.
The Role of the Opposition: Constructive Engagement vs. Destructive Opposition
Opposition parties in Somalia have a critical role to play in the country’s democratic transition. While it is natural for political opponents to be critical of the government, they must distinguish between legitimate criticism and obstructionism. The opposition must recognize that their actions can either facilitate or hinder progress. If they continue to oppose reforms simply because they fear strengthening the current leadership, they are harming the country.
Rather than seeking to derail the reform process, opposition politicians should focus on constructive engagement. This means providing thoughtful, practical solutions to improve the proposed election laws and frameworks. It is not enough to simply reject or criticize for the sake of political gain. If opposition parties are genuinely interested in the future of the country, they should work with the government to ensure that the reforms being put in place are strong, equitable, and sustainable.
This does not mean that the opposition should blindly support everything the government proposes. Rather, they should act as a check on power and ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions. But this can only happen through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, but not through obstructionism or sabotage.
The Somali people are watching. They see the political internal strife and the competing for power, and they are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the entire political process. If the opposition continues to prioritize personal power over the needs of the people, they risk alienating the very voters they seek to represent. The future of Somalia depends not just on the actions of the government, but on the ability of all political leaders, including government and opposition alike to work together for the good of the nation.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Urgency
In conclusion, the Somali government leaders must recognize the delicate balance between pushing for radical reforms and allowing society to catch up with the changing political landscape. While the need for electoral reform is urgent, these reforms must be implemented thoughtfully and without flaws. The Somali government must move forward with the implementation of necessary election laws and democratic reforms without surrendering to political delays or the pressure of the opposition that prioritizes personal or clan-based interests over national progress. While caution is important to avoid hasty and flawed legislation, the country cannot afford further stagnation. After decades of waiting for democratic elections, Somali leaders must take the first steps to establish laws enabling one-person, one-vote elections. The opposition must recognize the broader national interest and stop obstructing these efforts for the sake of personal or partisan gain. The Somali people deserve a fair and transparent electoral process, and it is the responsibility of all political actors to contribute to this goal, offering constructive input rather than continuing the cycle of stagnation. The time for action is now, and Somalia cannot afford to delay its journey toward democracy any longer.
Dr. Said Mohamud (Sacim)
Chair of the Somali People’s Democratic Party
Saciidciise258@aol.com
