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Hodan Dirir
"If liberty and equality, as is thought by some are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost." - Aristotle
Today is undeniably a significant day in our nation’s history; we as a people have exercised our right to determine our destiny. By holding and participating in elections, we have taken the first noteworthy steps towards international recognition. Those who now challenge and question the legitimacy of the process have disregarded the sweat, blood and tears of those who have made this day achievable.
Like any cultural group, it would be irrational to lump Somalilanders into one monolithic category. We all pursue distinctive interests and have dissimilar priorities when addressing daily activities. As such, it is not unusual that three political parties have emerged as front-runners in shaping a national regime. Each has articulated objectives that reflect differing concerns amongst Somalilanders. Nevertheless, Kahin, Silanyo, and Warabe have all expressed a necessity and urgency in gaining acknowledgement from the international community in validating the existence of Somaliland.
Despite distraught years of confusion and despair that had accompanied dictatorship and civil conflict, Somalilanders have demonstrated themselves to be a resolute people. We have materialized from the concretes of war and established peace, ultimately setting us apart from the rest of Somalia. Consequently, this election represents a progression towards something new and promising. As such, regardless of who wins this election, we must rally behind our leader and support his pursuit of development and global recognition for Somaliland.
It is evident that opposition groups hesitate to oblige and concede to Kahin’s win. Disappointingly, such an approach will only hinder and undermine the collective feat Somalilanders have accomplished over the past 13 years. Those who are rejecting election results are being informed by the provincial mindset of the past. They are dangerously falling back into a time when tribalism dictated and facilitated state policies. We must overcome such narrow-minded attitudes and willingly embrace what can only be good for us all. To my fellow Somalilanders, I implore you to accept the results and proactively move on. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, our moment of glory is now. What we do today, determines our tomorrow.
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