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Mahamoud Yusuf Duale (Diktoor), Toronto, Canada
Our election was declared transparent and fair, even excellent to the African standards. That is how the international observers concluded in their statements. And the other night, here in Toronto, thousands of Somalilanders and others attended the 18th may celebration. One of the key speakers was the prominent Canadian MP from Scarborough (subrb of Toronto) Jim Kirgianis, a leading member of the international observers that monitored the Somaliland presidential election. Mr. Kirgianis, as guest speaker in the May 18 celebration, explained in his words with no or little surprises at all that "Somalilanders as a people who managed to conduct a fair election under difficult condition can and should go and teach other African nations about democracy and elections".
However; having said that it was to be expected to face blame and counter blame after such hard competition and fierce battle of campaigning. And it makes that much more contentious when the vote count is too close as it was in this case. In other words there was no clear-cut winner in this election. Nevertheless, President Rayaale is our legally elected president.
The winners of this election in my opinion are the people of Somaliland, their constitution and their system as a whole. Mind you this is not the first time that we put our infant constitution to the test. It did pass already couple of hurdles. To note one such hurdle was how power was transferred when the late president Egal passed away suddenly. Without a clear system and constitution on hand, one can imagine the havoc, confusion, and the chaotic nature it might have brought on us. Thanks Allah we succeeded.
That this country went through historic moments, I cannot say better than that of my close friend and colloque Said Omer Moussa (Moments and Destiny). Destiny is far away yet, we can glimpse the rising Sun of prosperity from the not distant horizon. There is nothing wrong, if you belong to KULMIYE, UDUB, UCID and any other party that you may choose for your own reasons. The issue in this case however, is the overall well-being of Somaliland and it is troubling when some of us miss or fail to look at the big picture.
The harmful, negative rumors and speculations that we read these days from the Internet are very much disturbing. It is against the long-term interest of our citizens. These kinds of lies, propaganda and fabrications from few webmasters and deluded individuals is not disgusting only, but rather an insult to our noble cause of nation building. They should be ashamed and stop their destructive criticism and character assassinations that is of no help to no one.
Ladies and Gentlemen; those of you may have and ambition of one day holding a public office for the people of Somaliland, these name calling and smear tactics will not help your future political endeavor. You might be doing an irreparable damage to your career. The public is so smarter than you think; they may forgive you but will remember the character you displayed. And reward you accordingly.
Brothers and sisters in diaspora; instead of contributing to our Maandeeq with negative energy, it is time to build bridges of unity and purpose. In order to meet the vast needs and help our impoverished and unrecognized small nation, each and every one of you must bear in his/her mind that Somaliland will stay here even long after UDUB, KULMIYE, Sillanyo and Rayaale are placed in the dust bin of history. And what kind of Somaliland will stay surely depend on our deeds.
May Allah bless Somaliland and its people.
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