- Somaliland Women Bar Association representative explains how police should cooperate with citizens - source Somaliland progresses towards police reform Somaliland agrees Blueprint for the Future of Policing The Somaliland Police Commissioner and Minister of Interior have together signed a National Charter for Policing. They are calling it a “Blue print for the future” - a far-reaching statement of Purpose, Vision and Values to help guide the professionalization and modernization of the Somaliland Police. The Charter is the outcome of the First Convention on Police Reform which was held between 26 and 29 April 2010 in Hargeisa. The Convention was inclusive of all political parties and included participation from a broad cross section of Somaliland society as well as the police, Ministry of Interior and Justice, academia and the three main universities. Support came from the United Nations Development Programme and its donors, including the European Community and DFID, as part of the ongoing police reform. Speaking after the Convention, the Minister of the Interior Abdullahi Ismail Ali said that the Charter should transform the Somaliland police. “This is about making the transition from a colonial model, based on force and coercion, to a modern, democratic institution, based on mutual respect and assistance. Respect for fundamental rights is a key foundation for that. “ “The general approach aims to unite the police and the people, who work together in reducing crime and promoting respect for human dignity and fundamental rights”. “This is the true meaning of ‘community policing’ and ‘policing by consent’.” Speaking about the reliance of the approach on international human rights law, the Minister of Justice Aden Ahmed Elmi said, “The norms and standards enshrined in the Somaliland constitution and the Holy Qur’an are the values that inspire and lead our people. They have towering moral authority. This reform shows how well our values embrace many of the international norms and standards developed through the United Nations.” The Somaliland police force has since its establishment in 1991, struggled to shed its identity as a remnant of a former colonial police. Though it has built good relations with elders, it has yet to engage effectively with the general public to tackle crime, border violations and general service issues. Hampered by old and dysfunctional infrastructure, equipment and poor training and deployment, the police face challenges in winning respect from the citizenry. There is also continuing evidence of problems regarding police awareness of - and respect for - fundamental human rights. UNDP has been working with the police for the past three years. Since last year, UNDP through the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery has supported sensitization of Somalilanders on the broader changes in role, values and approach which are needed to reflect the Somaliland Constitution and international norms and standards. The process is also supported by the European Union and Amnesty international. As the Presidential elections draw closer, the need to reform the police into a politically neutral, professional and constitutionally independent police service has gathered momentum. A public dissemination campaign and formal “Charter” training for new and existing officers at Mandeerha Academy are planned as a follow-up to the Convention. Also, there are plans to establish Reform Units within the Police and MoI and to hold a second National Convention early next year to discuss legislation and concrete plans for accountability.

An Awdalite, member of the Progressio SL born voter observer team. My Observations Of Somaliland’s 2010 Presidential Elections - Aman H. D. Obsiye When my father was born he was a colonial subject for the British Empire. On June 26th, 1960 he became a free citizen. Fifty years later, his American born son, had the opportunity to return to his birth city and be an International Election Observer (Progressio) for Somaliland’s 2010 Presidential elections. My team observed the Borama district of Awdal province, and we visited ten polling centers in the eastern rural area. The voting process was extremely meticulous. In order to vote you must have had a voter registration card, which looked like a typical American driver license. If you did not have a voter registration card, you must have had a validation certificate and your name must have been on the voters list. The voters list had complementary photos next to every name. This process insured that only registered voters voted, and it diminished any chance of manipulative voting. It should be noted that polling station workers were students from Amoud University and Hargeysa University. I was very impressed by the polling station workers’ management skills. Also, every polling station had political party agents, playing the roles of checkers and balancers. These agents did their own count of how many voters came to their respective polling station. Once the polling station workers deemed you eligible, they took your left-thumb print and than placed it next to your name and photo. The ballots were vividly colored with each parties name and symbol on it. The voting booth was secured and voters were able to vote secretly. After voting, the voter placed their ballot into a sealed ballot box. If a voter was illiterate, a polling station worker asked the voter who they wanted to vote for. After that, they placed an “X” next to their respective candidate and showed their fellow workers, and political party agents, the vote. Once everyone agreed that the “X” was placed in the correct slot, the worker folded the ballot and gave it back to the voter to place in the ballot box. The illiterate were empowered by this process, further strengthening Somaliland’s democratic character. After the voter cast their vote, their left pinky finger was dipped into indelible ink, diminishing the possibility of double voting (it should be noted that polling station workers checked everyone’s hands before giving them a ballot). After observing the ten rural polling stations, my team returned to Borama (capital of Awdal province) and observed the closing of a polling station. The process of counting the ballots was also meticulous. The polling station workers unsealed the ballot box, counted the votes openly, than resealed the ballot box. After the total was calculated, all polling station workers and party agents signed a document indicating that they all agreed on the results. In conclusion, I am proud to say that overall I observed free and fair elections. Somaliland continues to prove that an Islamic African country can be democratic. I was extremely impressed by the numerous women voting, some polling stations had more women than men voters. The international community should welcome the Republic of Somaliland as the world’s newest democracy.

Michael Crockart (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat) To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effect of the outcome of the recent elections in Somaliland on development matters in that country; and if he will make a statement. Stephen O'Brien (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, International Development; Eddisbury, Conservative) The UK welcomes the presidential elections in Somaliland. President-elect Silanyo has indicated that he will put development matters at the centre of his new Government's agenda. Once he is sworn in, the Department for International Development (DFID) will discuss development priorities and plans with the new Government, as well as with the private sector, civil society and other development agencies, in order to identify clearly and understand Somaliland's priority development needs. Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 8 July 2010, c421W)

SOMALILAND (Au vu du soutien militaire et civil de la France au gouvernement de Somalie, reconnaissez-vous l’indépendance du Somaliland, territoire autoproclamé indépendant de ce pays, qui vient d’organiser une élection présidentielle ?) La France se réjouit de la tenue des élections au Somaliland dont elle salue la stabilité et la vitalité du jeu démocratique. Le scrutin s’est déroulé de façon exemplaire, notamment grâce au soutien de l’Union européenne. La France salue l’élection de Mohamed Silanyo au poste de président du Somaliland et souhaite poursuivre le dialogue direct et constructif qu’elle entretient avec cette région depuis plusieurs années Source: Foreign Ministry of France link

The people of Somaliland once again demonstrated their sense of responsibility and commitment to maintaining the peace and stability of the country as well as its on-going democratization. The Somaliland political parties have also remained true to this high standard of citizenship demonstrated by their people. It does not matter who has prevailed in the election. The winners are the people of Somaliland and they need to be congratulated. Source MFA Ethiopia

Peaceful presidential election in Somaliland compels a positive response from the international community Charles Tannock MEP endorses comments by UK government minister and EU diplomats on breakaway region's vote The recent peaceful, free and fair presidential elections in the breakaway region of Somaliland underline the importance of reconsidering Somaliland's desire for official re-recognition as a sovereign independent state, ECR Group spokesman on foreign affairs Dr Charles Tannock MEP said today as he congratulated the winner, President-elect Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo Source ecrgroup.eu

This is a great achievement for the people of Somaliland, and an example to the region, including particularly to the people of neighbouring Somalia. How can the UK, the European Union, and of course the African Union, best demonstrate their friendship for Somalilanders and their admiration for the free, peaceful and democratic elections they have staged? Many people would like to see Somaliland's independence re-recognised, and if the newly elected President raises the matter, lets hope the AU will give him a sympathetic hearing Lord Avebury, UK Liberal Democrat, source

Rune Aale-Hansen, Chief Information Officer of Norway’s Høyre Party; The Honorable Sophia Abdi Noor, member of the Kenyan Parliament; The Honorable Aminu Bello Masari, former Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives; Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares Satrústegui, former Spanish Ambassador to South Africa and former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. J. Peter Pham, Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Project at the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, and non‐resident Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; Ambassador Lange Schermerhorn, former U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti; Petr Sokol, Secretary of the Czech Republic’s Civic Democratic Party Group at the European Parliament; and Dr. Christiana Thorpe, Chairwoman of Sierra Leone’s National Electoral Commission.

Originally posted by Hunguri: Congratulations to Ahmad Siilaanyo. He deserves to win the presidency chair and lead Somali land. He is a veteran Somali politician who wins by merit. Suldaanka, I just want to ask you a question: SNM ma qabiil ayay ahayd, oo idinkaa lahaa mise waxay ahayd urrur siyaasi ah. Ma waxay ahayd Xisbi siyaasi ah, mise reer gaar ah ayaa samaystay oo waxay u samaysteen inay dano gaar ah oo ay lahaayeen ku fushudaan? Saaxiib bal iiga jawaab! Hunguri, SNM waxay ahayd a political organisation which had an open-book political manifesto. A particular clan was the backbone and brains behind it but in all its dealings it was open to and for anyone to support or join. Its goals were very simple. 1. Get rid off Siyad Barre and his fascist "Kacaanka" 2. Introduce freedom to the masses 3. Introduce democracy to the people 4. Open market economy 5. Replace "Yaa Taqaan" to "Maxaa Taqaan" when it comes to public service. Those were among others, its pillars of existence.

Leaders of IRI’s Delegation in Somaliland Discuss the Presidential Election June 27, 2010 IRI had a 19-member delegation of election monitors in Somaliland to monitor the June 26 presidential election that was co-led by IRI board members Richard S. Williamson, former United Nations Ambassador and Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan; and Constance Berry Newman, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and former U. S. Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator for Africa. Representatives from the Czech Republic, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, Sierra Leone, Serbia, Spain and the United States traveled to Somaliland to monitor voting and ballot counting throughout the country. Ambassador Williamson discusses the importance of the election the findings of IRI’s delegation Also of interest Somaliland Holds Credible Presidential Election

Firstly let me congratulate the president elect Mudane Madaxweyne Mujaahid Alxaaji Ahmed Maxamed Maxamoud (Siilaanyo). This is a man who is not new to the SL political arena and hence requires no introduction. Secondly, I would equally like to congratulate Mudane Madaxweyne-Tagay (Former President) of Somaliland Daahir Rayaale Kaahin. Mudane Daahir will leave a legacy of his own as he leaves this office. He will be remembered for many things but specialy for preciding over the democratisation process of Somaliland which today beared fruits. For the new team that will be replacing the current one. Let me remind you of Abwaan Qassim's wise words back in the 1960s. Ma draato raa-kaan dhigaan, dib ugu soo laabatay, Siddii aan dayeys nahay miyaan, dawgi ka halaabay, Isma doorin gaal-kaandiray, iyo daarta kii galaye, Dusha midabka somali baad, dugulka moodaaye, Bal muxuu micneeyee i taray, minsitar-kaan doortay The people voted for change and we expect a profound change in every respect of governance in Somaliland. The ball is in your courts Gents.

Indeed. I welcome the swiftness of UDUB leaders to denounce what the two shameless men said last night about the elections. It is obvious that UDUB has lost favour from the general public. They need to save face and leave office with honour. Kudos to the West Burco traditional elders for making it clear that they will not supprt injustice.

Madaxweynaha Somaliland Md. Daahir Rayaale Kaahin, ayaa ****olka ka qaaday inuu aqbalayo natiijada doorashada Madaxtooyada e Komishanku doorashooyinku soo saarayaan, isla markaana waxa uu raali-gelin ka bixiyey hadalkii ay xalay faafiyeen masuuliyiinta xisbiga UDUB ka tirsani. Press Release

Madaxwayne ku xigeenka Somaliland Md. Axmed Yuusuf Yaasiin ayaa maanta shir jaraa’id oo uu maanta ku qabtay xafiiskiisa waxa uu raali galin kaga bixiyay hadal ka soo yeedhay masuuliyiin ka tirsan xisbiga Udub, oo sheegay in doorashadii madaxtooyada ee dalka ka dhacday 26 Juun lagu shubtay Press Release

“Sharaftu waxay tahay in ninkii sida nabadgelyada ah talada dalka loogu wareejiyey inuu isna si nabadgelyo ah ku wareejiyo haddii laga helo doorashada, iskana ilaaliyo inuu taariikh iyo dhaxal xumo kaga tago,” ayey hadalkooda ku soo gunaanadeen Guurtida Beelaha Habar/yoonis oo si gaar ah ula hadlayey Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale Press Release

UK - MFA - Henry Bellingham welcomes Somaliland's elections 'I welcome the important Presidential elections held in Somaliland on Saturday 26 June. The process has so far been peaceful, and an example of the restraint that has contributed to Somaliland's stability in recent years. I acknowledge the professional work done by the National Electoral Commission, and commend the parties for the peaceful campaigning that preceded election day. I urge all political parties to continue to respect the process and wait for the National Electoral Commission to announce the results. The UK looks forward to continuing to work closely with Somaliland, whichever party wins.' source EU Heads of Mission welcome the Presidential Elections held in Somaliland on 26 June 2010 "We commend the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for the leadership shown in the preparation and conduct of the elections. Political parties and their candidates have shown maturity during the election campaign. We also recognize the valuable domestic and international support in promoting a democratic environment." source

Cowke feels trashed after his call for Faroole to wage war felt on deaf ears. Where is Dukey btw?

This doesn't look like a credible tally-paper. There is no signatures, no logo, no date. I commend the NEC for their strick and tight-lipped way of keeping the numbers secure. Very commendable indeed. Lets wait for the official results.

Dad daacad ah oo xalaal ah. Well done to the masses for the orderly and peacefull way they conducted themselves. Now lets see how the politicians conduct themselves. WIll they dirty this great achievement or will they safeguard it and get their act together and congratulate the winner without resorting to their old ways? That is the question that remains to be answered in the next couple of days.

The Power is indeed in their hands.

Some people want to disturb the newly found peace in the Milky town and replace that orderly and peaceful demonstrations with anarchy and lawlessness.

Good call. This coupled with the indelible UV ink, I am sure will minimise the people who try to double-vote on election day. Above all, peaceful elections is what we wish and orderly transfer of powers to the victor or continuim of governance to the current one if they so win.

^ What do you reckon?

In Washington, a congressional panel heard a pessimistic assessment of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government, or TFG. The House Subcommittee on Africa took testimony from several witnesses Thursday, including Ken Menkhaus, political science professor at Davidson College in North Carolina. “Our policy in Somalia has been framed for several years by support to the Transitional Federal Government,” he says. “That has never been a policy that has been embraced, because it was seen as having high promise, but because it was always seen as the best of bad options. The bad news…is that the TFG is no longer the best of bad options. It’s simply a bad option.” He describes the government as being in “disarray” and “an enormous disappointment,’ despite millions of dollars in support. “Most of its members have resigned or reside outside the country. It controls only a few districts of the capital that are in fact secured by African Union peacekeepers. It has been notorious for corruption. Its security forces have been a law unto themselves,” he says. Unwilling and unable Professor Menkhaus says, “The fundamental problem…is not that it is weak. If it were only weak, state capacity building assistance would be the cure. This is not a case of a government that is willing, but not able. This is a case of a government that is neither willing nor able.” He says Somalia’s “top political elites” are using the TFG to make money “without taking the risks or the hard work of actually reviving the failed state.” Al-Shabaab The poor state of the TFG, he says, has allowed the al-Shabaab militia to expand its control over much of the country, despite its own weaknesses. “Shabaab is not strong. It has numerous internal divisions. But it’s the only player on the playing field. And so it’s strong mainly as a function of the TFG’s weakness. Many observers believe that …there can be defections [in Shabaab]. There are large groups within Shabaab that are not really committed to hard core Jihadism,” he says. However, unless there’s a viable alternative to Shabaab, fighters are unlikely to defect. “So the population is acting in a predictably risk adverse manner, supporting tacitly or acquiescing to Shabaab control,” he says. Policy shift “The time is right for a policy shift. I would argue that for starters, we need to look at a diversification strategy, not to decertify the Transitional Federal Government, but to demote it to a transitional authority tasked strictly with implementing key transitional tasks in this government,” he says. Menkhaus recommends “engaging any legitimate, powerful and effective authorities that we find at the sub-national level.” He says they should be “effective to create some competition for good governance in Somalia, to put pressure on the TFG, and to end its monopoly of access to external assistance.” The conflict in Somalia has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters with hundreds of thousands of displaced people needing emergency aid.

"we hope to have around 70 international observers from a wide variety of countries, along with 800 local counterparts. Naturally, we are actively monitoring the security situation in order to ensure that a balance is maintained between the widest possible coverage of the poll and the personal security of the observation teams." Strong presence. This will indeed give credibility to the elections.