Somaliland’s huge success!
In my capacity as Professor at the University of South Africa, I was honoured to witness Somaliland’s 2010 Presidential Elections over a 7 day period (22 to 29 June 2010). A veritable feast for field-researchers and NEPAD political activists for good governance!
Indeed, this 2nd historic Somaliland Presidential election is a huge success. The peaceful transfer of power via the ballot box, and the credible democratic election process – a rarity, is an additional boon to Somaliland’s reputation as ‘Africa’s best-kept secret’.
My best congratulations to the winner, President-elect Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo, and to President Dahir Rayale Kahin, AND Mr. Faisal Warabe, for the graceful acceptance of the results. (Kulmiye – 49.59%, Udub – 33.23%, Ucid -17.18%).
Having the rare opportunity to observe Somaliland’s 2001 referendum, its 1st democratic 2003 Presidential elections as well as the 1st 2005 democratic Parliamentary elections, I am heartened to notice:
- The increasing international press coverage of Somaliland’s 2010 elections. Clearly, Somaliland’s ‘best-kept secret’ is being made more public in many corners of the world!
- The ‘transparent’ expression of the will of the Somaliland people on polling day, in spite of threats from Muslim extremist forces, is additional testimony of the people’s resilient desire for peace, stability and a better Somaliland.
- The passion of the young university graduates, notably women, and the smooth running of the electoral polling stations is a commendable feature, worthy of emulation in Africa and beyond. In this context, the National Electoral Commission leadership, its team members, should be congratulated for the good electoral preparations. Face Technologies of South Africa, for executing its tender of preparing the election identity cards.
- In spite of the intense international focus of South Africa hosting the World Cup Soccer, many citizens of the world made time to observe Somaliland’s 2010 elections. The Norwegian, Finnish, UK, and US election observer teams come to mind.
- Many friends of Somaliland now await the inauguration day of President-elect Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo and the peaceful transfer of power. May Somaliland’s path to development and democracy continue! It can count on its friends, as Somaliland re-doubles its efforts on the international road to recognition.
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Relevant Internet Links:
Ethiopian Government Statement on Somaliland Presidential Elections, 2010:
http://www.mfa.gov.et/Press_Section/PressStatementSomaliland.pdf [1]
ANC journal, Umrabulo, World Cup Soccer edition. Article by Prof. Ali Mazrui on Somaliland and Prof. Hussein Adam’s review of the Somaliland book, 2010 :
http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=ancdocs/pubs/umrabulo/umrabulo33/art22.html [2]
http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=ancdocs/pubs/umrabulo/umrabulo33/index.html&type=Publications [3]
Speech by South African Minister in the Presidency on Somaliland, March 2010:
http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/show.asp?include=minister/sp/2010/sp0311858.htm&ID=2084&type=sp [4]
South African published text on Somaliland, by the Nelson Mandela initiated, Institute for Global Dialogue and, the oldest South African Institute of International Affairs:
http://www.saiia.org.za/books/somaliland-an-african-struggle-for-nationhood-and-international-recognition.html [5]
http://www.kalahari.net/page_templates/searchresults.aspx?searchText=jhazbhay&navigationid=632&displayShop=books [6]
Journal of Somaliland Studies:
http://somalilandstudies.com/ [7]
Lessons from Somaliland on self reclamation from mayhem, Kenyan Sunday Nation, 2009:
http://www.redsea-online.com/books/Iqbal-Book%20review_kenya_December%2020.pdf [8]
Somaliland holds credible elections, International Republican Institute, 2010:
http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/somaliland-holds-credible-presidential-election [9]
Somaliland elections: peaceful expression of popular will, UK & EU observers, 2010:
http://www.progressio.org.uk/blog/news/somaliland-elections-peaceful-expression-popular-will [10]
Somaliland Presidential Election slide show, 2010:
http://www.progressio.org.uk/content/somaliland [11]
Report on the South African Mission on the Somaliland 2003 Presidential Elections:
http://www.somalilandlaw.com/SA_Mission_report_on_Pres_Elections_2003.pdf [12]
Media statement on the South African Observer Mission to 2005 Somaliland Parliamentary elections:
http://www.somalilandlaw.com/South_African_Observer_Mission_to_Somaliland_Parliamentary_elections.htm [13]
By Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay
