Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam recommends proportional representation for Somalia elections

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (PPM) — The former Somali Minister for Foreign Affairs Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam, who is a Member of the Federal Parliament, has criticised Somali politicians still clinging to the 4.5 power-sharing mechanism as basis for 2021 elections in Somalia. Writing in wardheernews, a news website, Fawzia discusses stages the Somali transition has passed through and different electoral models adopted since 2000.

Fawzia proposes proportional representation as opposed to first-past-the-post, which the incumbent Federal Government of Somalia proposed and had it codified in the electoral law passed by the Federal Parliament and the Upper House in December 2019. Fawzia argues proportional representation reduces possibility of electoral fraud in Somalia’s  planned one person, one vote elections to be conducted for the first time since 1969, when the military had brought to an end Somalia’s experiment with parliamentary democracy.

Fawzia: Puntland State warned against a return to 4.5 system as a basis for elections after 2017

“Elections can take place in Puntland, South West State, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland and Mogadishu” she writes. “It is deplorable that traditional leaders with no knowledge of the business of government select the national legislators.”

 Fawzia proposes that voter registration take place on the election day due to  security impediments that make pre-election registration impossible. She urges the Federal Government of Somalia to work with Federal Member States and Banadir Regional Administration to assist the National Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections next year. After elections the new government should finalise the draft constitution and the Judicial Service Commission, argues Fawzia.

“One must not flinch from the commitment to conducting free and fair elections in Somalia where youths and women constitute 75% and 65% respectively. Women must be allowed to exercise their full representation rights in line with the [Draft] Constitution” Fawzia concluded.

Fawzia  is the Chairwoman of the National Democratic Party and leads Hiigsi, an alliance of Somali political parties.

 Puntland Post Monthly,  2020  

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