Somalia’s Parliament has taken a significant step towards realizing long-awaited one-person, one-vote elections by approving the formation of an electoral commission. This move has been widely welcomed by the Somali diaspora, including members residing in South Africa, who have expressed their strong support for the decision.
The approval of the electoral commission by both houses of Parliament is seen as a crucial milestone in Somalia’s journey towards establishing a more democratic and inclusive political system. For years, the Somali people, both within the country and abroad, have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in free and fair elections.
One member of the Somali diaspora in South Africa, Hassan Kafi, praised the decision, stating, “We welcome the approval of the electoral commission by the Somali government, and we fully support it.” He emphasized the importance of this step in enabling the Somali people to choose their leaders through a transparent and democratic process.
The formation of the electoral commission paves the way for the implementation of the one-person, one-vote electoral system, a long-standing demand of the Somali people. This system aims to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard and their vote carries equal weight, regardless of their background or affiliation.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been urged by the diaspora community not to backtrack on his commitment to holding free and fair elections. They have called on him to stay the course and ensure that the necessary legal frameworks and institutional structures are put in place to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
“We urge President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud not to back down from his goal of transitioning Somalia to a one-person, one-vote system,” said another member of the diaspora. “This is the system we need, and we hope he will see it through to completion.”
The approval of the electoral commission is a significant milestone, but there is still work to be done. Experts emphasize the need for continued efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework, including a constitution and electoral laws, to ensure the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
As Somalia moves closer to realizing its democratic aspirations, the international community is also being called upon to provide support and assistance to ensure the success of the upcoming elections. The Somali people, both at home and abroad, are determined to see their country embrace a truly democratic system that reflects their collective will and aspirations.
