Tis Election Season, III
What’s the Chop?
Somalia, like a few other African countries, is headed into its election season from December to February. However, their plans for proper democratic elections — which would allow the people to cast votes for the first time since 1969 — look like they are back on the burner.
1969?!
The last time there was a one-person-one-vote in Somalia (basically, where people go out and cast votes for the leaders they want or vote on anything really e.g. in a referendum) was between 1960 (immediately after their independence) and 1969. However, all this came to an end when the president was assassinated in 1969 and a military coup d’etat occurred. This led to the rise of General Siad Barre, a military dictator who took over power until he was ejected from power in 1991. However, his rule had lasting effects, because during that time, the constitution was abolished; state institutions like parliament were disbanded; and elections were a no-no.
In 2000, after the years of civil war and fragility, in an effort to restore some form of order and avoid spiralling back into another war, a power sharing agreement was reached between the country’s different clans — the main political and social actors in Somalia. This gave birth to what was meant to be a ‘fairer’ power sharing model, a clan-based voting system.
How does this work?
The four main clans (Darod, Hawiye, Isaaq and Dir) receive an equal share of most parliamentary seats and government positions while the minority clans (more than ten) then share a minor stake. In the last elections, of the 275 parliamentary representatives, the 4 major clans received 61 seats each, while the minority clans received 31 seats to share. These clan-based parliamentary selections then pick the president, who appoints a prime minister as head of government.
Does it actually work?
Some people believe that it undermines Somali institutions and promotes systemic injustice, because the minority are not represented. The system has also been criticised as one that promotes corruption as delegates often buy their way into power. Others recognise that the clan is a bedrock of Somali identity and will always impact Somali politics. But the thing is, this clan-based model (also known as 4.5 system) was meant to be a temporary measure to maintain peace and stability, yet it has remained embedded, and is unlikely to be scrapped anytime soon. The 2012 and 2016 governments tried to steer the country away from it, but no luck.
So, what now?
Earlier this year, the president had signed a new electoral law that aimed to abolish this clan-based system and instead introduce the one man-one-vote system, but opposing voices were stronger. Now, the 2020/2021 elections are round the corner, and nearly 28,000 delegates will be picked from across the different clans. The delegates will select parliamentarians, and ultimately, the next president. The parliamentary elections both for Upper and Lower Houses will run from December 1 to 27, 2020, while presidential elections will be held on February 8, 2021.
Your Takeaway.
Currently, Mogadishu is getting heated up as aspirants attempt to get to the top, but the winner won’t necessarily be having the last laugh — he faces the ever lingering task of achieving peace and stability in Somalia after decades of civil war, insurgency and terrorism-affiliated activities, including containing the Al-Shabaab militia, building unity, creating stronger institutions, and steering socio-economic development. If you thought being president was hard, try being the President of Somalia. Alternatively, he could potentially sit back, fold his arms, and enjoy the spoils of power, as his nation burns around him. Sound like someone you know?
What Can I Do?
This election season, we are doing all we can in our corner of the world by highlighting election outcomes across the continent. But the ball remains in your court really. Only you can get your voice heard — so go out and get your voter’s card.
If you are in Somalia, we know this doesn’t mean much for you, but we are confident that you have the power to effect the change you seek. So go out and seek out ways to change the system.
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