Somaliland:The Civil Society Calls for Peace during the upcoming election

[Jacaylbaro]

It is obvious that Somaliland with the support of its government and people has to its credit conducted four democratic elections successfully in acceptable standards that do not differ much from the international ones, which impacted positively the views of the International community.

 

It is apparent that the presidential election had passed a number term-extensions due to successive delays in timing of the election; it is also clear that we had missed out holding the local government elections and as well the legislative elections are in the offing.

 

It is indisputable that Somaliland with its nascent democracy is capable to hold the upcoming presidential elections peacefully as that was proven in the prior elections; the remarkable achievement in the past elections was guaranteed by the high moral obligation of Somalilanders to their future.

 

It took much devotion and dedication by its citizens that Somaliland gained the status “Oasis of peace” in conflict-ridden Horn of Africa. Experience in prior elections gives a reflection that we can achieve more in the future in we continue with the current stamina.

 

As we are gearing up for the long-awaited presidential election we call the incumbent government, the national political parties and the general public to observe the following points:

 

1. Peace and stability should prevail in the polling day as well as respect for the outcome, which should represent the choice of the electorate.

 

2. Due respect and support should be granted to the National Electoral Commission, particularly issues relating to voter registration and holding of the presidential election, which a test to the democratic culture of Somaliland.

 

3. The three political parties should present their political platforms to the public in healthy manner. The campaign managers of the contesting parties should exercise self-restraint and avoid any rhetoric that can cultivate hatred or might trigger violence between the Somaliland communities.

 

4. The electorate should be held accountable for any violation of the voter registration and the polling process. We also remind the supporters of the political parties not to try to score election victory by violence.

 

5. The National electoral Commission are held responsible to fulfil the following duties:

o To ensure that the political parties comply with the code of conduct they have endorsed.

o Elections should be held in peaceful environment and should be kept out of all possible irregularities, which could mar the credibility of the outcome.

o NEC should uphold justice to all contestants, be transparent and be mindful that they are accountable to the Somaliland electorate.

 

6. We appreciate the International community and the donors for their indispensible role in the democratization process of Somaliland, we appeal further support for the democratization, in order to initiate long-lasting in the Horn of Africa.

 

Finally, we hope luck for Somaliland nation and its Citizens. We should all embrace peace to achieve democratic elections.

 

 

On behalf of the civil society:

 

1. Academic for Peace and Development

2. SONYO Umbarella (Somaliland National Youth Organization),

3. Nagaad Umbarella For Women Organizatoin,

4. FOPAG,

5. COSONGO Umbarella,

6. SORADI,

7. SONSAF,