Joint Press Release by SIRAG and Somaliland Overseas
London, UK, 19th of March 2009 – SIRAG and Somaliland Overseas would like to appeal to the Opposition Parties, Parliament and the Guurti of Somaliland to resolve the constitutional crisis that is approaching towards Somaliland's democratization on the 6th of April 2009 which is the date that Somaliland’s presidential term expires. It is worrying to say the least that to date we do not see anyone coming forward to resolve this constitutional crisis. So far both opposition parties have issued a clear statement which states that they will only participate in a free, fair and democratic election. The two political parties have also issued their voice in solidarity where they said that they will not allow the president’s term to be extended after 6th of April. This is a serious case especially after the elections were delayed several times to give an example on 14th of April 2008, 31st of August 2008, 31st of December 2008 and now from 29th of March 2009 to 31st of May 2009. We are aware of the frustration, patience and perseverance that the opposition parties have shown so far to lead Somaliland out of the political mess and deadlock that they have been subjected to especially after the government promised them that they will finally hold fair and free elections on the 29th of March 2009. Unfortunately the government of Somaliland has not honored their promise so far.
We urge the political parties to save Somaliland's quest for democratization and recognition and put pressure on the Government, Parliament and Guurti of Somaliland to address these grave challenges that this political deadlock poses on the democratization and leadership of the nation. If these challenges are not resolved quickly the country will have a leadership vacuum which is not good for the security and democratization of Somaliland. Somaliland is located in a strategic part of the Horn and is already facing many challenges be it terrorism, piracy and so on.
Since last year the government of Somaliland is taking a laid back approach to implement free and fair elections which is compromising the hard work that the people of Somaliland have put into the struggle of Somaliland’s Independence, Democratization and Recognition. Somaliland has done successful elections in the past but this success has been undermined by the recent unconstitutional, incompetent delays and setbacks that is damaging Somaliland’s reputation and democratization. This will further hamper and delay Somaliland’s quest for recognition and democratization which is not good news for the nation. Time and time again the Diaspora have raised their concerns about Somaliland to hold free and fair elections but so far the government of Somaliland is turning a blind eye to this sensitive and important time line of Somaliland’s quest for democratization. The Diaspora is not happy about the direction that this election is heading and we will monitor the situation closely until fair and free elections takes place.
We would also like to remind the government of Somaliland that for free and fair elections to take place Somaliland needs independent judiciary and free media. We are concerned that Somaliland’s judiciary is deteriorating and recently the role of free media has been compromised too. We urge the Opposition Parties, the Parliament and the Guurti of Somaliland to address these issues before the 6th of April 2009 so that Somaliland’s quest for democratization and recognition can be strengthened.
Somaliland’s Friends and Donors who have been supporting Somaliland’s quest for democratization and recognition are also concerned about the progress that Somaliland is making so far and are monitoring the situation very closely. We believe that the only final solution left now is for all the key players to sit together and formulate a quick action plan to make this election a successful one. This will help Somaliland once again regain her reputation for holding successful elections which is the lifeline of Somaliland's democratization and will push her case for recognition.
Election disputes is a common practice in many parts of Africa, but as a Nation, we have shown the world that we can achieve and solve our differences in different way which is why Somaliland has gained respect internationally. The Pillars of Somaliland's Success stand on 'Wada tashi & isku tanaasul'. We strongly believe that if we do not find an urgent solution about this crisis the loser will be our country and our Nation.
God Bless Somaliland
Marwo Lulu Farah
Chair of SIRAG
www.sirag.org.uk
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Kadleye
Director of Somaliland Overseas
http://siragandsomalilandoverseas.blogspot.com/




 

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