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Introduction
Somaliland is a thriving democracy that has demonstrated a successful bottom-up approach to governance rooted in the will and aspirations of its people. In 2001, Somalilanders overwhelmingly voted in favour of a constitution that firmly established sovereignty as residing with the people. This constitution mandates that the president, members of the bicameral parliament, regional councils, and district representatives be elected through free and fair elections.
Two decades later, while Somaliland’s democratic journey offers many successes, there are valuable lessons to build upon and areas requiring meaningful reforms to ensure continued progress.
Paragraph 1 of Article 9 of the constitution states that “the political system of the Republic of Somaliland shall be based on peace, co-operation, democracy and plurality of political parties.” However, Article 2 contradicts this plurality and states that “the number of political parties in the Republic of Somaliland shall not exceed three (3).”
The Act for the Registration of Political Associations and Certification of Political Parties, known as Law Number 14, was enacted to regulate the formation of political parties. The Act has undergone several changes, but its foundation remains: the number of political parties shall not exceed three. With limited guidance in the constitution, determining how parties should be formed (while not exceeding three) and avoiding parties based on regionalism and clannism became a challenge. To address these issues, the drafters of Law No. 14 proposed two solutions:
- Political associations would be formed initially, and only three of these associations, after a competitive process, would qualify as political parties.
- In 2012, the Act introduced a ten-year license for political parties, limiting the registration of political associations or parties to once every ten years.
In 2022, Somaliland faced political instability and violence due to these restrictions. The former president, Muse Bihi Abdi, sought an extension of his expired term and proposed opening new political associations to compete for the three-party slots. The opposition rejected this move, perceiving it as a threat to their existence. Given that clans back political parties, the disagreement quickly escalated into clan violence. A rebel group clashed with security forces, resulting in the deaths of nine police officers and numerous injuries. The dispute was eventually resolved when clan leaders intervened, proposing that political party elections and the presidential election be held on the same day. The then-president reluctantly accepted this compromise, having no other viable options as he faced multiple challenges, including defeat in Las Anod and the presence of a rebel group stationed near the capital.
The crises of 2022 and 2023 exposed the vulnerabilities of Somaliland’s political system. Factors contributing to this fragility include a weak judiciary, clan-based political parties, poverty, and a polarised society. The closed political system, with its restrictions, exacerbates tensions and hinders political stability.
Reform the System
The new president has pledged to reform the political system and propose constitutional amendments. Such reforms could lead to a dialogue on lifting the restrictions on the number of political parties. However, the slow progress of the new administration and the poor quality of its ministers indicate that constitutional amendments are not an immediate priority.
To address Somaliland’s flawed political system, the government could reduce the licensing cycle for political associations from ten years to five. This change would allow citizens to organise and challenge existing parties more frequently, revitalising the political landscape without requiring constitutional amendments.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi’s recent announcement that he may not seek re-election may weaken his leadership, as many politicians, including his cabinet members, are likely to align themselves with potential presidential candidates. This unexpected position could also provide an incentive for him to push for systemic reforms, potentially shaping his legacy.
Politicised Electoral Body
Another destabilising factor is the composition of the National Electoral Commission, which is dominated by political appointees. Since 2008, the commission has lacked neutrality, with most members being politicians appointed by the president. To address this, Somaliland should conduct a comparative study of electoral bodies in other countries and adopt a model suited to its unique needs. This would help depoliticise the commission and build a strong, functional, and independent electoral body.
Conclusion
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi is not known as a reformist, as evidenced by his track record as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, his experience as an opposition leader has likely provided him with insights into the fragility of Somaliland’s political system. If the president wants to leave a lasting legacy, he must prioritise reforming the political system. Resistance will likely come not from the public but from party leaders and opposition figures who supported his election and expect rewards at the expense of national stability. Ultimately, the president must choose between securing his legacy and yielding to the political ambitions of others, which could undermine Somaliland’s stability and progress.
About the Author
Guleid Ahmed Jama is a Lawyer and political analyst based in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions or perspectives of Somaliland Chronicle and its staff.
