Progressio, the Development Planning Unit of University College London (UCL) and Somaliland Focus (UK) express deep concern at prospect of one-party election in scheduled presidential vote in Somaliland: threatens possibility to fulfill international observation coordination role unless broad engagement in political process is demonstrated

London, UK, August 22, 2009 (SL Times) – International development organization Progressio, the Development Planning Unit at University College London (UCL) and Somaliland Focus (UK) are deeply concerned at developments in Somaliland in the run-up to the much-delayed presidential elections, now scheduled for 27 September 2009.

The three organizations were invited in January this year by Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) to act as coordinators of a joint international observation effort for presidential elections in the internationally-unrecognized Republic of Somaliland.

The mission’s role is intended to include coordination of the in-country schedule, a programme of preliminary briefings and meetings with key actors, and organization of the election observation itself including observer accreditation, with the team remaining in Hargeysa after polling day to prepare a report on the conduct of the campaign and poll. Support for this coordination role is being provided by the government of the United Kingdom.

These elections have been repeatedly delayed, including polling days in December 2008 and on 29 March 2009. The organizations named above have been observing events in Somaliland throughout that time with mounting concern. Two of the three political parties have announced a boycott of the date currently scheduled and under the conditions in which the election is to be organized.

We recognize that the grievances that have led to this situation are deep-seated and long-standing, and that the solution to these problems must come from within Somaliland. We note that attempts are currently been made on the ground to find a solution. However, in making preparations for coordination of international election observation, we are mindful that our efforts must help to support a system that has broad public support. We believe that at the present time, there is strong evidence that that support is not present.

It is very important for the credibility of the electoral process that all those political actors and parties who have demonstrated a commitment to participation in the electoral process must be actively engaged as participants. That task primarily falls to the National Electoral Commission. The announced boycott by two of three parties is in itself effective indication that there has been a failure in that regard. The expressed dissatisfaction of other actors, including international donors similarly underlines the unsatisfactory nature of the current situation.

A number of groups have expressed concerns about these developments, including Human Rights Watch and the Somaliland Independent Scholars’ Group. We note in particular that Somaliland’s House of Representatives voted on 11 August to urge President Rayale and the National Electoral Commission to “rescind” the decision to press ahead with the election on 27 September without a voter register.

While we remain committed to the need for an election as soon as possible, we feel that under the current circumstances, the only possible outcome would be seen by a significant proportion of Somalilanders as lacking legitimacy. We are therefore concerned about whether we are able to provide the coordination and observation role to which we have been committed to date, unless the situation changes markedly.

We urge all stakeholders to come together to solve this critical dilemma, to ensure that a process can be put in place that permits a legitimate election with as little further delay as possible, and with genuine commitment from all actors and a realistic approach to the time needed to ensure a smooth and proper political process.

Somaliland has long stood out as a remarkable example of indigenous democracy in a corner of Africa that possesses more than its share of problems. We wholeheartedly applaud all those who have contributed to successes to date. We urge those involved with such past successes to continue with a commitment to the Somali principles of dialogue and consensus. In our opinion, Somaliland has a number of unparalleled opportunities to improve its standing internationally and domestically, with a successful presidential election standing as an essential next step on that path.

For further information contact:

Jo Barrett, Media Officer, Progressio, London, +44 (0)7940 703911, jo@progressio.org.uk

Progressio is an international charity with Catholic roots that enables poor communities to solve their own problems through support from skilled workers. And we lobby decision-makers to change policies that keep people poor. We were formerly the Catholic Institute for International Relations.

20 August 2009

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