Somalilandsun- As Somalia begins preparations for one-person one-vote elections in 2020-21, election planners will need to consider a number of dilemmas.
This is according to research findings by Saferworld an independent international organisation that has operations in Somaliland and Somalia as part of its works in over 20 countries and territories across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, with advocacy platforms based in key policy centres including London, Brussels and Washington.
The subsequent Saferworld paper titled , Electoral Crossroads: dilemmas of future democratisation in Somalia, identifies key issues that the Somali Federal Government, the National Independent Electoral Commission, and international donors need to address. The report draws on the historical experiences of Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland, together with analysis of popular perceptions and a review of academic research.
It presents five specific dilemmas to consider. If Somalia can navigate these problems successfully, it would facilitate the popular elections that the Somali population is increasingly demanding.
These dilemmas centre upon pursuing nationally versus locally-driven democratisation, how best to “lift the lid” on the ‘4.5’ clan power sharing arrangement without sacrificing hard-won political stability, instituting soft versus hard deadlines, getting the timing of elections right in a conflict-affected country, and the need to balance electoral financing with the tangible benefits of democratisation.
Saferworld offers this research as a contribution to guide elections planning to enable peaceful, timely and democratic elections that truly meet popular needs.
Click to read the saferworld paper titled , Electoral Crossroads: dilemmas of future democratisation in Somalia,
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Saferworld work in Somaliland and Somalia
