For a peaceful campaign and election , let us go to Garoowe.

[galbeedi]

This election seems to be different from the last one in so many ways possible. The pool of those electing the members of Parliament have been increased to thousands. These new formula still favors those who have deep pockets. For the individual person seeking a place in the parliament, the burden has also been increased to convince and reach out as many delegates.

 

The Somali National consultation forum ( Madasha Wada tashiga Qaranka) supposed to meet in July 17, 2016, for another round of negotiations to move the process forward. That process was pushed to July 25, and then further to August 2.

 

There are few sticking points that must be resolved before any elections could take place. The Hiiraan elders are complaining about the Somali President changing their traditional elders to his own elders in order to influence the selecting of the parliament. The an ending issue of Ehlu Sunna and Gakmudug with each trying to have the upper hand , and finally the would be senate members from Somalialnd.

 

While all those issues are technical matters that could be resolved one way or another, the most important issue is the location of the election. If we all want this election to be different, we must take concrete steps that should minimize corruption, increase open debate and safety for those who are participating. Safety is very important for fair and free election. Since Al-shabaab and those who are funding them decided to target members of parliament and other leading voice of the country, it is imperative to hold this election without the fear of the enemy. How can anyone campaign in this climate of fear?, how can someone who is secluded in his own hotel can seek a vote from people congregating different parts of this dangerous city.

 

If we really want this election to be different, we must move to another much saver city with manageable security. Since we could not go to Borama, the safest city in the republic with almost zero crime rate or Hargeisa, the thriving capital of Somaliland , I suggest we should go to Garoowe. It is a medium size city with a lot of resources that could accommodates thousands of Somalis. They got conference halls and other venues for delegates to meet. It has wide open and paved streets and modern hotels. Remember, small village of Arta, Djibouti, has accommodated hundreds of Somalis for almost six months.

 

Because of the size of the city , few hundred Puntland soldiers could be deployed to secure and patrol the streets and other important places. In Garoowe, Somali elders and delegates seeking an office can safely engage and discuss issues with the local, national and international media. They could speak their mind without the fear of Al-shabaab and other contract killers in Mogadishu. If the international community want a free election without intimidation and fear, then they must move the election to Garoowe.

 

Also , a reasonable compromise could be reached with those insisting that Mogadishu should be the place. For example, the electoral delegates who are electing the house of parliament should gather In Garoowe and conclude the election of parliament. The elders and to be members of the parliament can peacefully interact and campaign in Garoowe and elect both the members of parliament and the speaker of parliament. In order to minimize violence and threat on the lives of the parliament members, keep them in Garoowe until 48 hours before the election of the president. Then, fly them to Mogadishu to elect the President.

 

If I had my way , I would have done the whole thing in Garoowe including the election of the president, besides, for most Somalis , going another Somali town and conducting national business should be a normal thing. I know that as soon as this news is announced, the usual suspects will screen and cry foul, but they should know that this is the best interest of the nation to conduct the election in a save place.

 

This is not a demand or advantage , it is the most logical thing to do if you want a peaceful and celebratory gathering of the Somalis. It will open a new page of putting the nation's interest ahead of the politicians who insist every thing is Mogadishu even if it is impossible. The business of restoring national government and the survival of the Somali nation state , is more important than the capital itself. Let us meet in Garoowe with peace and love.

 

 

[Mooge]

lol@thousands. Somalia has become a wasteland niyoow.

 

To move it to garowe is a good suggestion niyoow, but Damjadiid doesn't want to let its cash cow go.

[Tallaabo]

They don't need to be in Mogadishu physically as the whole thing can be done online if they have the will. If Ninyaaban can organise the "best nomad" election in this forum every new year, then the coronation of the corruption-in-chief of the land should be doodles. The only thing needed besides a computer is an active mobile money transfer account.