During her recent visit to Puntland, the United Nations envoy to Somalia, Ms. Catriona Laing , proposed to the Puntland government dialogue with the opposition in Puntland, which favors the tribal quota system.
But what the British lady does not realize is the dangers of the opposition’s demands
Puntland state, made history as the first state in Somalia to hold democratic elections in 54 years
Puntland's elections were not only crucial to the country's internal politics, but also played an important role in Somalia's plan towards democratic stability.
The elections were held under the auspices of the Puntland Transitional Electoral Commission and supervised by representatives of the international community in all their institutions.
Puntland's elections were important for several reasons. First, it was a break from the traditional clan-based politics that had driven Somalia's political scene for decades. Competition took place on the basis of policy issues rather than clan affiliations
The election success indicated that Somalia's security and electoral institutes were stable enough to hold democratic elections. This came at a time when the country was still dealing with the threat of terrorist groups, and state-building setbacks.
Puntland's elections were crucial to the political and economic stability of the region. As Puntland State is located in a strategic location, its stability is crucial to the overall stability of the region.
On election day, registered voters in Puntland turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots. The Puntland Interim Election Commission set up polling stations across the state, and security was beefed up to ensure the safety of voters and election officials.
The elections were hotly contested by candidates from seven multiple political parties, who campaigned, presenting election programs such as economic diversification, investment in infrastructure, and security reform. The elections were held peacefully, and the Puntland Interim Electoral Commission announced the political parties that received the majority of votes and the names of the candidates. Who won seats in local council elections
But the success of the elections did not please concerned parties, such as tribal leaders, who found themselves outside the political stage, and began to use their influence to obstruct all these efforts.
The move of this small group poses a great risk, because Somalia has been battling political instability and insecurity for several years, and a major contributing factor to this has been the clan quota system and the choice of the people's representatives by clan leaders.
The risk of returning to this system is huge. First, because the tribal quota system and the selection of clan leaders are inherently vulnerable to corruption and nepotism. Positions are often chosen for reasons other than their qualifications, such as their affiliation to a particular clan or personal connections. This can lead to inefficiency and the appointment of leaders who lack the skills to lead effectively.
Second, the tribal quota system and selection of clan leaders perpetuates a culture of division and discord. Instead of promoting national unity and a shared sense of purpose, this system reinforces tribal loyalties and divides the country along ethnic lines
Third, the system of tribal quotas and selection of clan leaders is inconsistent with modern democratic values. In a true democracy, leaders are elected based on their ability to represent all citizens, rather than those belonging to a particular clan or ethnic group. Therefore, returning to this system would represent a step backwards for Somalia in terms of democratic progress.
In conclusion, the clan quota system and selection of clan leaders poses a major threat to Somalia’s stability and progress and it is important that the country continues to move towards a more democratic system that promotes unity, equality and equity. This requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and UN organizations. The United Nations, international NGOs, and donors, to work towards the common goal of a stable and democratic Somalia, would like to stand up to those leaders who wish to take the country back to preserve their own interests.
In short, the women in Puntland state are the ones who will reap the consequences of the British lady’s actions, because they have no place when returning to the tribal system. Then she must convince women of her gender that the system was the only and most appropriate one at the current stage.