On the 31st May 2021, Somaliland voters cast their ballot in the parliamentary and local government, the process was very stable and relatively transparent, destructive violence has not been reported at all. As a result, the opposition parties have won a majority of seats across the country. Specifically, two candidates from Wadani Party clinched almost 47000 of the total votes in M/jeeh region; this means quite a lot to the Nation. It is the first time in Somaliland history that candidate from minority communities, won more than 20,000 votes. Similarly, Abdikarim Mooge anti-Tribalism and social justice Campaigner from Wadani won 26000 votes. The election results exposed to the outside world that democracy stands much superior and Somaliland people are promoting dignity and freedom, besides it indicates that Somaliland societies are now free from tribalism effects on leadership, prejudice and social discriminations against minorities. Not only did the opposition parties get a welcome boost in the election, but the entire population are also excited about the outcome. On the other hand, politicians in the region had described Somaliland elections as an example of a mature democracy in a junior and relatively stable country.
Oppositionโs alliances and Mayoralty of the capital
Shortly, after the provision results were announced, the opposition parties also announced a political alliance to get the Mayors of major cities as well as the speaker of the Somaliland parliament. New coalitionโs preliminary discussion regarding the leadership of the future, in a joint statement, both parties declare to appoint the speaker and the Mayor of the capital. With a combined majority of the seats, it is likely that the opposition parties will control an absolute majority in the parliament and local governments. The new alliance of the power will diminish President Muse Bihiโs government plans and room for manoeuvre.
The right man for the capital
Over the past three decades, Hargeisa urban development faced challenges in the area of infrastructure, land governance, economic development and social services. Successively, the people of the capital was very unfortunate to have a bad-run local government, which kept vast sections of the population with deep poverty and a lack of basic services. Currently, there is an opportunity for voters to consider who will represent them over the next term, and it appears that the people of the capital could have a well-run local government. However, at this stage, the selection of the next Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hargeisa will be chosen from the oppositions. At this moment in time, Hargeisa residents are optimistic and set expectations with obvious priorities because they voted for candidates who revealed their best matches during the election campaign. They hope that the new power coalitions will support candidates who won the public votes and shared with the votersโ glimpses on how they said they would run the local government. Like never before, the voters are saying the upcoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hargeisa must be elected in order of quality and seniority and they continuously whispered that the Mayor they deserve would commit to improving the cityโs infrastructure, land governance, economic development and social services. In conclusion, the mayor voters deserve must be an authentic and forward-thinking leader who understand the complexities of local government. He should have the qualities and characteristics to fight corruptions, inequalities and reduce risk factors for crime; must promote equal opportunities, environmental programs and benefit of urban streets.
Kaiser Omar
Kaysar10@gmail.com