Political Organizations Agree on Code of Conduct

Hargeisa (SL Times): Political Organizations in Somaliland have adopted a common code of conduct to be observed by all political actors in the country during the current election campaign.

The agreement on the code of conduct materialized following intensive talks that went on during the evenings of the whole last month of Ramadan. The talks were sponsored and hosted by the Hargeisa-based Somaliland Academy of Peace and Development.

At a signing ceremony held in Mansoor Hotel last Wednesday evening, Sheikh Ahmed Nuh, deputy chairman of the Council of Elders has welcomed the agreement hailing it as a remarkable achievement that indicates how patriotism was not in short supply in Somaliland.

Edna Adan, the only female member of the Cabinet, was also there to remind representatives of political organizations of the decisive role that Somaliland women voters are destined to play in next elections. In the set of principles agreed upon, the political organizations declare that the utmost priority be given to the existence and independence of Somaliland over the success of a particular political organization or personal interest. In another point, the need to avoid the dangers of winner-take-all is stressed. Instead, the party winning the presidential election is encouraged to form an inclusive and broad-based government. In the event that the deadline for presidential election is not met, the 3 political organizations emerging as winners from local elections will work with other legally mandated national political actors in the country to avoid the prospect of political vacuum, with the losing political organizations to support such as process.

Another code of conduct for the Election Commission and political organizations has also been concluded. Infringement of the above two codes will be dealt with by an Integrity Watch Committee to be set up by the SNEC in consultation with political organizations.

Meanwhile, the first local elections to be held in Somaliland in 30 years are slated for Dec 15. To show its full commitment to the deal, the Administration sent Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf Yassin to the ceremony. The Vice-President signed the agreement document on behalf of UDUB organization. The gesture has been well received by representatives of other political organizations.

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