Now that the final results of the September 29, 2005 parliamentary elections have been announced by the National Electoral Commission, all the participants in last month’s democratic race including all the political party candidates and their supporters are expected to accept the outcome.

Despite numerous administrative, logistical and technical shortcomings, the NEC has conducted a very successful election. Counting of ballots has been transparent to the extent that when individual political parties or candidates requested recounting of votes cast for the hotly contested Hargeysa seats, the NEC obliged by allowing a lengthy and rigorous verification of almost the region’s entire 337 ballot boxes.

Though this effort has been time-consuming and subsequently entailed a delay in the announcement of the final election results for over 2 weeks, however carrying-out the exercise has been crucially important for securing the confidence of both the contesting parties and the electorate in how the election was conducted in the Hargeysa region which is home to about 1/3 of the nation’s voter population. But it is equally important to note the potential risks involved if election results were not announced at a much earlier stage than has been the case now. Recounting could drain the electoral process of its integrity and make it open to dispute.

The NEC has to draw the necessary lessons from this experience so as to avoid the same mistakes being repeated in future elections. The lack of appropriate number of polling stations particularly in densely populated areas such as Hargeysa city should be addressed. To discourage multiple voting practices it will be imperative to put in place an effective voter registration and identification system coupled with an intensive civic education programme.

Under the circumstances, the NEC has done a good job but in order to overcome its shortcomings, it must start planning now for the realization of a long-term institutional development.

The people of Somaliland have been proud and happy about the 2005 parliamentary elections. They deserve to be congratulated and respected for their successful participation in another historic election.

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