How bad Governance affects all - the economy, politics social justice, culture and personality and how can this be remedied or replaced (A task waiting the incoming)

Prelude:

A monumental, colossal task second to impossible is waiting the incoming administration and the new leader

The integrity of all the institutions of the country has been systematically corrupted and  compromi sed as well as the functioning of said institutions by the ruling Remnants - a moral less gang, people mistakenly called them government!
Corruption has been created and nurtured in every level of the government where by it became part of the culture. It integrated with the culture therefore accepted as some thing normal! The country has been neglected, ransacked, robbed, ashamed and disgraced!

It needs to undo a lot of things and do a lot of other things at the same time.
It needs good governance with all its fundamentals established. And not only that, it needs the character and the lost personality of the Somaliland citizens to be restored and rebuild all over again.

A tremendous task is a head where by a “Goos” (working together collectively) by all parts concerned is needed.

For one to pray an acceptable prayer rightly, there are two pre-requests to fulfill
A) First one must be a believer b) second he must intend to pray for Allah [Alniyah]
For a leader to lead a nation of believers he must likewise believe the aims, aspirations and hopes of the nation he is to lead b) and he must intend to lead.
The paranormal entity (collection of Siyad Bare’s NSS apparatus) ruling Somaliland failed to meet the above two pre requests. Paranormal I call the Riyaale group, because of their bankruptcy in moral standing and their unconscionable acts in all areas! As well as their unseemly activities of steeling and storing the proceeds abroad while the people are starving and the name, the cause and the case of Somaliland suffering in side and abroad!

The good news is that both the leaders of the other two competing parties despite their qualification differences are believers of the second Republic of Somaliland and what Somaliland stands for, and the hopes and aspirations of the Mother.
We are assuming, safely so that they have a gut-feeling and gut-connection with the people of Somaliland where ever they are.

May the grace and the mercy of Allah and the peoples prayers and support be with the incoming president through out, while he is righting the wrongs done to Somaliland by the out going Remnants of Siyaad Barre (if they go away peacefully when they loose the election which for all indications they will)

Introduction

Government
Government is a body of people that lay down public policy that manages and exercises executive, political, and sovereign power through customs, institutions, and laws within a state.
Governance is a people to people movement. It is a vibrant interaction between people, between structures, processes that support the exercise of legitimate authority in provision of sound leadership, direction, oversight, and control of an entity in order to ensure that its intention and purpose is achieved, and that there is proper accounting for the conduct of its affairs, the use of its resources, and the results of its actions.

Good Governance needs “Goos ” (cooperative endeavor) effort to realize its objectives. It is a “Goos” proposition. Although there is no ‘one size-fit all’ solution to governance, however it must be a “Goos” endeavor, which means all: - the government, the private sector, chamber of commerce and all stakeholders have to participate, respond and contribute

A real democratic government must be from the people, by the people and for the people to start with. It must not be a government by thugs, and for thugs as the case is in Somaliland now, unfortunately so!
Good governance has become the yardstick by which the success of nations and quality of governments are being measured.
On the other hand bad governance is the yard stick by which the failure of nations of bad governments is measured or could be measured
Developing a meaningful discourse on governance and initiating the search for effective entry points in good government must be the concern of policy makers, politicians, civil society, and all others concerned with good governance.

To remedy bad governance in Somaliland we have to change this disgraceful, shameful bad government run by the Remnants and like minds and establish good government by
a) establishing the fundamentals of good governance articulated here below
b) on the people side, we have to change the none believers and Remnants of Siyad
Barre, who failed Somaliland dismally, miserably to believers of Somaliland who are qualified and are moral servants of the people. Not people of their belly and pocket like the Remnants! We have to put our best and brightest minds in government positions and operations. Business as usual ought to cease completely

The endeavor must begin from somewhere and from some point. First and foremost it must begin from the government but also the citizens, civil society, private sector, democratic institutions, public sector and every stakeholder has proper role to play to ensure good governance in our country-Somaliland A good government must take the torch and initiate this effort and right the wrongs inflicted on Somaliland by Riyaale and the collection of follies he leads or leads him!
There is an understandable concern that Somaliland’s development prospects are frustrated by bad governance. It is not a rocket science to understand how bad governance headed by a bunch of ignorant remnants left from the defeated dictator, Siyad Barre affected the economy social justice as well as the Somaliland personality and culture. Most of the GDP is lost to greed, corruption and out right robbery by the governing clique.

Bad Governance

Bad governance results to huge loss in economic growth. And not only that, it also affects the human resources, the human ingenuity and the personality of the citizens. Bad governance and corruption deter investment, waste national resources and forebode allocation and increase insecurity.

The poor suffers most from the consequences of bad governance and corruption.
Amongst the major governance weaknesses are: pervasive corruption, weak governance, absence of monitoring institutions which seriously affects economic growth and poverty reduction in all countries but our country, Somaliland is leading this front under the leadership of Riyaale and the Remnants he leads or leads him!

In most cases, on the people side a person should intuitively know when some thing is right or wrong. That may not have any thing to do with what one may think he can get away with. Right and wrong are not supposed to be confusing. There is no blare line in this, but when corruption is established by corruptors and becomes part of the culture there is no clear line between the two-(wrong and right) In Somaliland which remnants run, that is the case and that is the end product of bad governance.

Morally debased product of corruption oriented people are there, every where with no barriers to stop them. A culture of corruption was established under the bad governance of the remnants where by corruption became the norm it mingled with the culture and became part of it! It even spread to the private sector. Many people accepted this and blended it with every day life.
When corruption, malfeasance, misuse or abuse of power creeps in all governmental institutions as it did in Somaliland under the remnants, it is a manifestations of typical bad governance and this ought to be stopped at the source and killed it there before it kills the functions of government and the future of generations to come

1 Good Governance:

Multilateral organizations have emphasized on the elements of good governance and its impact on development. These organizations generally equate good governance with sound economic management based on Accountability; Participation; Predictability and Transparency.
The concept of good governance has been clarified by the UN's Commission on Human Rights and identified the key attributes of good governance as:

a).Transparency
b).Responsibility
c).Accountability
d).Participation
e).Responsiveness

However, there are some people who are not satisfied with this narrow economic definition of good governance. They would like at least five more elements to be included as an essential part of good governance, namely

1) Democratization;
2) Human Rights;
3) Rule of Law;
4) Probity-integrity
5) Accountability.

There are several factors and issues that are constraining the very process of good governance in to days Somaliland under the remnants of Siyad Barre.
The major factors are

a) Ignorance
b) Corruption,
c) Politicization of administration,
d) Weak democratic institutions,
e) Ineffective parliament,
f) Absence of the rule of law and
g) Absence of meritocracy etc.

The United Nations has emphasized for good governance, the participatory nature of the government and the rule of law. According to this definition, good governance has 8 major characteristics: they are

1) Participatory,
2) Consensus oriented accountability,
3) Transparency
4) Responsiveness,
5) Effectiveness,
6) Efficiency
7) Equitability and
8) Inclusive and follows the rule of law." By the rule of law means fair legal frameworks and impartial enforcement of laws by an independent judiciary and incorruptible police force

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2 Good Governance: Role of Civil Society

Citizens faces potential corruption, practically at every level and every sector of life. . Government alone cannot succeed in combating corruption without the active participation of civil society and citizen action groups. Civil society is in the best position to articulate the grievances of the citizen and highlight priorities of action on corruption to governments.
Civil society can serve many important roles–as observer, critic, analyst, campaigner, or protestor. It can create public awareness against corruption and mobilize citizens to fight against corruption in ways that governments cannot. Civil society can also play a strong role to organize campaigns against corruption.

Civil society organizations, Citizens' action groups, media, and Chambers–can play the largest role in improving governance both in the public and private sector. Chambers can be more active by organizing seminars, workshops, to generate awareness against corruption and unethical business practice. Chambers can establish anti corruption cell headed by some one with adequate funds to establish liaison with media, anti corruption commission (ACC) and other government agencies ( to be created) to combat corruption and protect its members from extortion and corrupt claims.
Chambers should formulate code of conduct for their members and put pressure on the members for compliance. Awareness regarding code of conduct for members of chambers would have trickle down effect on smaller business enterprises and so on.

NGOs can keep a pivotal role in raising awareness among the general public about the bad effect of bad governance. Most of our citizens understand that they are victims of corruption at their own level and corrupt governance affects their pocket. NGOs and other social organizations can make coordinated efforts to spread the message that corrupt governance at every level affects the economic development, impair equitable distribution of wealth, destroys social justice and degrades the moral of the society. Corruption degrades the dignity of any nation. Concerned citizens may present reports on how corruption destroyed the foundation of our economy. Mass campaign against corruption should be launched to develop public resistance against corruption and to provoke public support in favour of crusade against corruption by the Anti corruption commission ACC (to be formed). ACC should be proactive in setting the agenda and framework through which to engage civil society in the battle against corruption.

3 Good Governance: Role of Private Sector

The private sector can play a more active role in rooting out the supply side of corruption. It is painful that most businessmen and citizens look at corrupt practice as a system. Business leaders as well as the government should take initiatives so that local and foreign investors can set up business enterprise and function in Somaliland without resorting to corruption and extortion.

Towards good governance the private sector must emphasize on internal controls and auditing mechanisms. Corporate bodies and business houses needs to set clear and enforceable policies against corrupt or unethical business practices. Business house need to periodically train middle and senior management on business ethics to ensure that standards are institutionalized throughout the organization. Business houses should change their mind-set to prefer managers having comprehensive business education with emphasis on ethics. Somaliland business people can not afford to be unaware of global ethical standards for doing business.

4 Good Governance: Role of Institutions

For good governance, existing institutions need to be renovated, overhauled and strengthened by laws, guidance and regulations. New regulatory institutions need to be established to address gaps in monitoring governance. Stopping political appointments in institutions like the 1) Anti-Corruption Commission, 2) Human Rights Commissions, 3) Law commission, 4) Media and Press Commission, 5) Ombudsman system can be a good start towards ensuring good governance. But without transparent process and expertise in law-enforcement, such commissions or agencies will remain ineffective. Another area that is easily noticeable is lack of monitoring on government spending. Ministries spend allocated funds as they see fit on personal and political considerations rather than their economic impact. Thus the modality of investing in people goes against the interest of the mass people. An effective institution should be formulated to monitor government spending which could go a long way towards curbing irresponsible government spending on political or corrupt motives.


5. Good Governance: Role of Parliament

Legislature is a fundamental component of good governance, which serves as a demonstration of pluralism, tolerance of diversity and dissent as well as a place for compromise and consensus building. The health of democracy of any nation is largely dependant on a strong and functional legislature. A government with a legislature lacking the capacity to effectively oversee the executive or influence policy cannot be deemed to be democratic or delivering good governance. The role and task of the parliament is to make laws and monitor the executive. They hold the executive organ of the government accountable through committee hearings, intervention on important national issues and making appropriate laws to sustain good governance.

The formal government is only one of the actors in good governance. Under any parliamentary system of government the parliament is another key actor for ensuring good governance.
But when the speaker becomes a partisan, when Parliament Members are punished or ostracized if they vote against government bills presented in the parliament by their party, it becomes a ridiculous exercise. When ministers do not remain accountable to any body even to the MPs, like Mr. Awil- the finance minister of Riyaale’s Somaliland often does, the parliament becomes ineffective and useless!
Further when the elected opposition in the Parliament abstains from taking part in the proceedings of the Parliament, the Parliament becomes ineffective as well as a constitutional arrangement of scrutinizing government's activities.

6. Good Governance: Role of Judiciary

Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional jurisdiction on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable and periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human Rights by an independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people.
The last remaining bastion of the rule of law, the judiciary was not separated from the executive organ heading by Riyaale in Somaliland! The lower judiciary has degenerated into a politicized instrument of the ruling party.
The judiciary is now being exposed to a process of creeping politicization, where judicial appointments, even at the highest level, are now made with by the ruling Riyaale government of Remnants!

Any credible government which may replace this rotten ‘pocket and belly’ government of the remnants heading by Riyaale must have an effective disciplinary authority over the misconduct of the judges both in the lower judiciary and the Supreme Court.
It is important that the judges should devise their own disciplinary framework or made them do just that!

The allegation of rampant corruption in the lower judiciary is very disturbing and yet we do not find the judges themselves doing anything to redress the grievance.
The citizen wants independence of the judiciary not to make the judges indulge in corruption with impunity.

Corruption in the judiciary makes mockery of the whole justice system so much needed for good governance.

In a participatory democracy it is essential that citizens have faith in their public institutions. A judiciary that is seen as fair and independent is a vital component in sustaining people's trust and confidence in the judiciary. It is through judiciary that people truly experience the working of a democracy and good governance.
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7 Good Governance: Role of Bureaucracy

while politicization of the bureaucracy disgustingly damaged the entire administration, another new dimension is that the senior bureaucrats themselves are now inclined to get political colour to get short and long-term benefit packages. While the short-term benefit packages include good and profitable postings, rapid promotions, extension of services, etc, the long-term benefit package of course revolves around such aspirations as induction in the party politics leading to influential positions in the cabinet or office of profits. There is no doubt that such self seeking stance on the part of the senior bureaucrats tells upon their accountability to the people. As a result, virtually all public services as well as law enforcement have become partisan zed and commoditized to a point where the machinery of government has lost virtually all capacity for functioning as an instrument of public service. Lack of proper education in their fields is another problem, therefore both capacity and capability building of the civil servants must be addressed

8 Good Governance: Role of Media

Somaliland relatively, comparatively does have a fairly active media. The recent growth in the number of private electronic and print media outlets has increased not just the amount of information available but also its quality. Even though Somaliland lacks that part however media should take a more aggressive role in investigating and exposing large scale and high profile corruption. Naming and shaming can be a very effective tactic to eradicate corruption in our country.

Even in developing countries, where corruption is accepted as a necessary evil, naming and shaming tactic has been effective in recent years. No such example has been set by the governments in Somaliland now and in the past. But the media demonstrated ability to generate outrage among the public that can be channeled productively to control and eradicate corruption. Nobody can undermine the role and power of media in the society for establishing good governance. However, media must execute there duty responsibly

9 Good Governance: Role of Educational Institutions

Teachers, trainers, professionals, educators have big responsibilities to raise voice for good governance. Teachers can implant hatred against corruptions among the students at an early age. Intermediate and secondary education can inform young minds about the importance of good governance as precondition for development. Education on critical issues like women empowerment, human rights, consumer rights, right to information, freedom of speech etc can help empower a new generation who will come forward to initiate positive reforms towards good governance.


10 Good Governance: Role of (Audit) Anti Corruption Commission

Good governance also means combating corruption, and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions, and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscle. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official Secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security and similar issues. Strong laws against corruption and application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a government's commitment for the principle of good governance.


11. Good Governance: Role of Election Commission:

Independent and Non Partisan Election Commission is a precondition for free & fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament, local governments and other institutions. Elections, however, are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the will of the people are essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in itself. It is critical that a nation's elections be free and fair in level play ground. This means that every citizen has an equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Voters must have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates. Independent election commission must ensure that voters are not put in a coercive helpless situation to choose muscleman or criminals nominated by party A or party B as their representative to the parliament to establish rule of terrors or criminals. The election commission must ensure to reject if criminals are given nominations or upon applying to be elected to a public office. Somaliland did not do that. Riyaale and others who are accused and alleged for crimes against humanity were not rejected when they presented their application to run for the highest office of the land! Instead, they were accepted! Now Somalilanders are reaping what they sow!

Conclusion

In a developing country for good governance the fight against corruption is not easy. Corruption is a tremendous deterrent to good governance and development, and its burden falls heaviest on the shoulders of the poor people. An effective Anti-Corruption Commission – with strong political backing, can become a credible tool to deter corruption. All concerned should help the ACC to be fully operative. If Somaliland wants to become a country free of poverty and economically strong, where every citizen will enjoy his or her rights and a better quality life, fighting corruption is the most important need. It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to respond to this need towards corruption free, transparent, participatory good governance ensuring equity and social justice.

In Somaliland, it is evident that the present condition of governance is rotten and devastating. Many issues and problems are the barriers to ensure good governance, equity and social justice. Corruption, political interference in administration, nepotism, misuse of power, absence of rule of law, non-accountable and non-transparent government etc. are the common features of Somaliland government of the Remnants.
It is also necessary to make the ministers accountable to the parliament members while discharging their executive roles to make the parliament truly democratic. Re-engineering is also required to make the MPs the key actors of the parliament instead of the ministers by making the parliamentary standing committees more powerful, effective and functional. All the standing committees of the parliament must be formed and made fully functional by the third session of any elected parliament.

To make the parliament democratic and functional, effective measures should be taken to make the speaker panel an institution above partisan standing. Further brain storming is required whether a national security council an independent institution, can play an even positive role in maintaining balance of power. As it is said – ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ Somaliland has lived in that experience under the out going Remnants!
Somaliland must never return to what she has experience with bad guys ran a bad government! Somaliland must declare, never again!

The end
Peace and prayers