Stand for Somaliland Institutions

Somaliland’s political process to function fairly and democratically at all times would need solid institutions in unison with vibrant civil society that acts as the cohesion in our social fabric. The involvement of Institutions and civil society affords us a stronger anchor to h edges our fragile democracy and platform where differences of opinions prevail from the discourse of tolerant citizenry and the beating drums of political parties divisiveness that induce tension with tribal connotation are muted out.

The democratic system that our hopes are hinged on is in need of deeper underpinning th at is equally rooted by traditional elders, religious leaders, students, women organization s, youth groups and civil society in general, these modes are the nexus of informed citiz enry that espouse common values of our society. The more proper institutions embedded in our political sphere the more we can flourish as a one country and people. Our democr atic process will only be enriched and strengthened by the various institutions in our soci ety like the customary practices in our traditional system, the Islamic tenets in our laws and guidelines and procedures enshrined in civil organizations.

As a society we are indebted to the institutions that currently toil for peace and coexiste nce in our country without credit and those that operate in fairness and neutrality. Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) has been a national treasure that demons trated its neutrality in 2010 presidential elections and thus far has been able to coordin ate with all the parties to conduct their campaigns and rallies in safe manner. The institut ion of higher education and the people in the academia realm and all the university stude nts whose competence and professionalism remains indispensable, for example university of Hargeisa had over thousand students scattered across the country attending to the polling station in this local municipal elections. Somaliland Journalists and media that adh ere to higher standard, the Guurti and all the elders that constantly safeguard peace and stress the importance of harmony, all deserve our gratitude.

We are compelled to go beyond politicians and political parties in order for our sowed see ds of democracy to bore the needed public goods of alleviating the plight of our greater communities through the will and shared sacrifice of our citizens. Somaliland’s democratic plurality needs Institutions and civil society spearheaded by responsible citizens guided by the social norms that are based on the cooperation of the communities that they gov ern.

Institutions and civil society are more responsive and compatible with the collective aspir ations and the common interest of every Somalilander to better his/her country. Somaliland’s national conscience can be solidified from such grass-root level where diver gent positions on issues can be hammered out, and the neutrality and fairness that we demand as a community, society and country come from the consensus build through such public involvement.

If we only spend a fraction of the time that we spent on politicians and political parties then investing on our institutions we would be on a better footing right now.

Stand for Somaliland Institutions Prior to Politicians & their political parties.