On July 2nd 2016, Somaliland Civil Society engaging in democratization process and elections had meeting with WADDANI Political Party, the meeting was held at the head Office of WADDANI party and attended by HE chairman of WADDANI Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro) and many other senior official of the party. The CSOs addressed several key issues related voter registration, elections preparations, parliamentary elections, women and minority quota and the need to speed up the electoral process, House of Representative regional representation and voter registration process have become most vital issues discussed.
This meeting was following a meeting held previous week between the CSOs and HE Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (SILANYO) the President of the Republic of Somaliland on 20 June 2016, and other meeting held between CSOs and UCID political party on 25 June 2016 at the head office of UCID. The objective of these meetings was initiated by the CSOs so as to share the policy recommendations and suggestions on the upcoming elections and voter registration process currently ongoing in the country.
Moreover, the CSOs shared with the chairman of WADDANI and other officials a written document summarizing collection of suggestions and recommendations aiming to remind again all stakeholders to work together in a participatory manner to commit collective efforts to strengthen the process that will enable us to hold a free and fair elections on the dates that elections is scheduled and the CSOs encouraged the chairman of WADDANI to take greater role on the realization of the process towards the implementation of the upcoming elections.
Finally, members of the CSOs present in the meeting asked questions the chairman of WADDANI his position on the status of women and minority political participation, the situation of election preparations, concerns and the position of WADDANI party. Chairman of WADDANI party clarified the position his party and told his commitment to the CSOs, chairman answered all questions asked. WADDANI party praised the role of Civil Society and encouraged to continue their support in democratization process as a neutral body. WADDANI political party also accepted policy recommendations from civil society.
This meeting was concluded successful results and parties agreed to work together in the development of democratization process in Somaliland and realizations of elections.
Mustafe Sacad Dhimbiil
Chairman SONSAF