SONSAF, UK express differing views on Somaliland democratization process

Hargeisa (Somaliland.com) – Somaliland’s democratization process has been praised by non-state actors as the world marked the world democracy day.

Somaliland’s Non-State Actors Forum has praised the democratization process in the country and has urged the Government to respect its citizens’ right to “meaningful participation” in the political process.

Though Somaliland is a young democracy, Somaliland’s Non-State Actors Forum, SONSAF, said the fact that the country has held 6 elections since 2002, is an indication that the country is relatively gearing towards a democratic nation.

The chairperson of Somaliland’s Non-State Actors Forum Anwar Abdirahman Warsame, however, says it will advocate for media institutions especially when the government limits freedom of expression.

United Kingdom Representative in Hargeisa, Mr. Stuart Brown, in a tweet, despised the fact that 70% of Somalilanders under the age of 32 have never had the opportunity to vote for their legislative representatives. But with the recent compromise and agreement by all the political parties, he felt confident that this can soon change.

UK representative in Somaliland Mr. Brown also listed four major ways that the UK is supporting the democratization process in Somaliland:

1. Upgrading voter registration systems
2. Supporting women in journalism
3. Promoting minority rights
4. Improving transparency and accountability in the justice sector

The United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guitires has also urged Governments around the world to respect its citizens’ right to “meaningful participation” in the political process.