Stakeholders Panel on Holding Fair and Free Elections

[Jacaylbaro]

Hargeisa (The Rep) – The 3 political parties, the political organization of QARAN, NEC, politicians, Traditional leaders, poets and intellectuals and other guests took part in the first panel to hold a free and fair election. Participants exchanged views and criticism and presented their views on what the panel and the elections should be.

 

 

Chairman of KULMIYE, Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo stressed that the panel should have a fixed agenda so that the aim of the panel is not diverted.

 

 

He said; “There is a great doubt and suspicion among the people that elections will be held. People are afraid that the elections might be postponed, if free and fair elections held on schedule everything that we take pride in democracy will be a failure.”

 

 

Speaking about last election, he said; “We have complaints but we have accepted the results. Voter registration is constitutional and if not completed in time I propose that elections be held and not be postponed.”

 

 

On the issue of the political organization of QARAN, he said that the issue should have been solved by the constitutional court and warned that what have been so far achieved by the country should be preserved.

 

 

He added that he is elected chairman of his party and that he will stand for the election and that members will decide whom they will elect but I warn and request nonmembers to stop giving their views and advice on how to run our party.

 

 

Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gaboose, chairman of QARAN political organization, said; “I believe that the forthcoming election cannot be fair and free. It will be a reflection of what QARAN is, we have been denied our basic rights for electing and being elected. We of QARAN and those who have similar views on political orgniazations are denied these rights. As such, we believe that a free and fair election cannot be held.”

 

 

Dr. Gaboose, added; “Somaliland has a good reputation in the international community but our rights should be respected.”

 

 

Criticizing NEC, he said; “They have not taken the right oath as their predecessors (Shukri Bandare) if the opposition accept such an oath as well as the list presented by the governors how can Silanyo expect to have a free and fair election held.”

 

 

Omar Jama, from the ruling UDUB party, said; “As ruling party, we have patience. The opposition has the right to present their views but they should not instigate the people. The NEC nomination is legal and so far the country has three parties and will have them until existing laws are changed or replaced. It is their duty and obligation of NEC to nominate representatives in the regions and districts. Any steps taken by NEC to forfeit that will be a disgrace to them.”

 

 

On public media, he said; “We hear criticism that the ruling party is using the public media as an instrument for its campaign and that the opposition is being denied that. I assure you that the opposition will have equal time during election campaigns, but at the present the government is using the media for national duties. We support to have a free and fair election. This depends on the NEC and not the government.”

 

 

Hassan Suldan Abdullahi, from the opposition Justice and welfare party said that the people of Somaliland have been looking for a good government since 1960. My party believes that NEC will be responsible for having a free and fair election. We will cooperate and help solve any problems and obstacles. Only two districts (Salaxley and Baligubadle) have so far a list will no complaints.”

 

 

Addressing the NEC he said; “I implore you to hold free and fair elections by solving any errors and discrepancies. My party has no doubt that governance will intervene but if voter registration is properly done it will stop any ringing. NEC should look into the complaints of the opposition and not give ear to the government’s complaints only.”

 

 

Mr. Hassan Suldan urged the government and its ministries to do their national duties and stop interference in the election for they have failed to provide good service to the people.

 

 

Deputy chairman of NEC, Mr. Hirsi Haji Ali Hassan said; “Contrary to Dr. Gaboose claim we have taken the right oath as enshrined in the constitution. I don’t know where the idea of a second oath needed by Gaboose for its unti sharia law. We have already taken oath that we will be neutral to all stakeholders but if Gaboose needs it he can come and have the second oath.”

 

 

Speaking about the complaints by the opposition on the list announced, he said; “NEC is ready to look into the matter and correct any errors if there are any.”

 

 

On the political organization of QARAN, he said; “It doesn’t concern us for we are not the institution that legalizes them. Our condition today differs from the last NEC. During the last election, everybody believed that elections will bring recognition that was not realized. Today, we are speaking about whether elections will be held or not. There’s a lot of suspicion but we assure you and guarantee that we will be holding a free and fair election and need the support of all those who believe in that.”

 

 

 

 

Jamhuuriya Online