Dalmar Kaahin

Although Somaliland election faces many external challenges: lack of trainings, logistics, inadequate funding, and incomplete voter registrations, among others, even more serious are the internal obstacles.

Delaying the election sounded reasonable for the first time. However, extending President Dahir Riyale Kahin’s term for one year raised suspension. Worse yet, postponing the election and increasing Mr. Kahin’s term for the second time paints a bleak future for Somaliland. He secures yet another six month in office. Droughts and terrorists, just to name few ludicrous excuses from the current regime, are the reasons behind the election delays.

But just as the doubts of holding a fair, free and transparent election grow, so too the uncertainties of gaining recognition. In January 2008, I wrote a piece entitled, “Somaliland: A Democratic State In East Africa Or A Tinderbox Waiting To Explode?” In this article I predicted that a failed election will lead to a failed state. See this link: http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2008/312/78.shtml It is now evident that both Somaliland presidential election as well as its recognition hit roadblocks. But who is responsible for the impeding disaster looming on the horizon?

The ruling party UDUB’s dirty election delay tactics, and its painstaking efforts to find reasons to stay in power, as well as the opposition party KULMIYE’s machete-wielding supporters’ chest-pounding, huffing and puffing with fury not only undercuts Somaliland’s quest for sovereignty but also compromises its survival.

To top it up, the second opposition party UCID’s failure to firmly stand as an opposition party and form a common front with KULMIYE against election scandals, grants UDUB yet another chance to hog power. On one hand UCID screams in loud shrill voices just like any other opposition party. On the other hand, in most of political crises, it agrees more with UDUB’s stance than KULMIYE’s. One wonders why UCID—the sister party of UDUB—doesn’t join the ruling party.

Worse than UCID’s flip-flop stance is while Southern Somalia inches closer to stability, Somaliland’s political hurricane gains momentum. Nothing satisfies more the Somali quarrelling leaders than witnessing Somaliland vanish. Al-Qaeda, Al-shabaab, and Al-Somali regime agree on only one thing: Somaliland must not gain independence at any cost.

Meanwhile, as if they were in deep comma, Somaliland leaders remain oblivious of the dark clouds hovering over the nation. The prolonged isolation of Somaliland, its bickering and self-enriching leaders, its political showdown combined with Somalia’s upcoming ruse to woo many Somalilanders to salvage their properties in the South while granting them jobs, citizenships and more land at a low cost, could lure northerners to immigrate to the South in droves—leaving once bustling Somaliland cities deserted, a ghetto.

Though the average Somalilander has no compelling evidence to join Somalia, economics dictate people. And as I have pointed out in my article, entitled, “Somaliland: Why Somali Unity Case Won’t Fly?” Somali unity lost steam. But Somalilanders have very little choice once they cross the border as economic immigrants. Here is the article: http://tinyurl.com/cdbcpl

In short, no one doubts that the election faces challenges that need more time to sort them out; equally, no one in his/her right mind believes that extending Mr. Kahin’s term in offices has anything to do with election.

Both KULMIYE and UCID must form a unified front against UDUB. This unity includes speaking out against violence, promoting peace, and giving Mr. Kahin another chance to run out of excuses—let him finish his six month term. Somalilanders waited for almost two decades to reach where they are today; six more months won’t make any difference.

What is at stake—the fate of Somaliland and its people—is far more important than Mr. Kahin’s six month term. Surely, the election delay is a setback for the long-waited recognition, but we’ll press ahead as usual.

And just like the story: “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”, Somaliland election may now be empty calls. But unlike the villagers who ignored the shepherd boy’s screams when the wolf came, we’ll remain patient and ready for the “election”.

Dalmar Kaahin

dalmar_k@yahoo.com

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