Puntland’s Democratic Journey: Electing Council Members and Empowering Youth Participation

Puntland’s Democratic Journey: Electing Council Members and Empowering Youth Participation.

The people of Puntland have achieved a significant milestone by electing their district council members, a long-held dream come true for many. This achievement not only represents a landmark moment for Puntland but also serves as an inspiring model for other regions in Somalia, fuelling hopes for similar progress across the nation.

Electing representatives who understand the community’s priorities, needs, and values is fundamental to good governance, according to the people of Puntland. They view this milestone as a significant step toward greater inclusion in the decision-making process. A 2014 participatory poll by the Puntland Development Research Centre (PDRC) revealed that 91% of respondents intended to vote in future elections, showcasing a strong public desire for direct voting and a positive attitude towards universal suffrage.

Puntland has made several attempts to decentralize governance, with a significant achievement in 2008 when it pioneered the creation of local district councils, establishing itself as a leader in this effort of decentralization. This move was a key step toward state-building and improving governance. In 2011, Puntland advanced its democratic process by establishing the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC). Another major milestone came with the introduction of one-person, one-vote elections for district council members. In December 2012, Puntland also registered six political associations for the first time, marking the beginning of a new political phase, though this initiative faced several challenges and did not succeed as planned.

During the tenure of Abdiweli Gaas and Farole as Puntland’s leaders, attempts were made, but the efforts to advance the decentralization process were largely unsuccessful due to various issues, including a lack of serious commitment from the government. However, President Said Deni, who took office on January 8, 2019, has demonstrated a strong commitment to revitalizing the stalled democratization process. His proactive measures to start the process have been widely welcomed by the public, who view his efforts as crucial for enhancing governance and improving the overall well-being of Puntland. Various stakeholders, including the EU, AU, and international partners supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts, have endorsed this development as a significant milestone. They view it as a promising beginning and a model that other regions can follow to establish a foundation for effective governance.

In August 2019, Guled Salah was elected as Chairman of the Third Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), marking a significant development in the ongoing democratization process. Under his leadership, three districts, Eyl, Qardho, and Ufayn, successfully conducted the first early direct local government elections on October 25, 2021. These pilot elections led to the election of numerous young people to district council positions, with some even becoming mayors. This advancement represents a major step forward in involving youth in decision-making and leadership roles within their communities.

The pilot elections served as a successful test, marking that the process was progressing and was well-received by the public. However, on January 2, 2022, Guled Salah, who had been instrumental in this effort, resigned from his role as Chairman of the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC). His resignation sparked widespread disappointment and concern, leading many to believe that the democratization process was stalled and facing significant challenges. Abdi Farah Saeed (Juha), Puntland’s current Interior Minister and former Federal Interior Minister, even compared Guled’s departure to “the death of Puntland’s democratization process.”

Following Guled Salah’s resignation, the TPEC committee elected Abdirisak Ahmed, a key figure during the pilot elections, as the new chairman. Abdirisak played a crucial role in stabilizing the democratization process and earning the confidence of stakeholders, which was vital for achieving significant milestones. Known for his role of managing political conflicts, Abdirisak oversaw the district elections on May 25, 2023, which marked an important achievement for TPEC. This milestone was widely praised by the people of Puntland. The remaining district elections are scheduled for July 23, 2024, aiming to complete the process of electing council members of Puntland districts by the end of the year.

The revival of the TPEC has reignited hope among Puntland’s youth, who make up about 75% of the population. This development has encouraged young people to engage more actively in their district’s political processes. It has also boosted their drive and determination to move away from other methods of selecting local district council members.

This shift has mobilized the community, sparking the youth to organize campaigns and craft political slogans. They held numerous public gatherings and debates to win the confidence and trust of the public. As a result, the public sees these young leaders as educated and transformative leaders worthy of representing them. However, the extensive campaign efforts, debates, and public gatherings have heightened expectations for the newly elected district council members. Which could hurt the newly elected members.

Political associations were increasingly favouring prominent and respected young candidates to secure their positions, recognizing that the youth have a better chance than older candidates. Most candidates from various associations were young. Youth have taken a leading role in the campaigns and were prominently featured on candidate lists. After the election, the surge in public expectations has placed significant pressure on young leaders, who may struggle to meet these high demands. Despite some missteps by the youth, there is a strong contingent of knowledgeable and progressive young leaders’ eager to improve their communities. However, the public’s impatience for rapid change could hinder many young leaders and potentially erode their trust.

This situation risks the potential of many promising young leaders, who could significantly impact their communities. Securing public approval and earning the trust to make crucial decisions on behalf of the public is a remarkable achievement and should be considered a critical priority. To maintain this performance and secure public trust, young leaders should view this as a chance to enhance their political careers and leadership skills. They must also avoid creating obstacles for future leaders and ensure they do not undermine public confidence.

The involvement of youth in district councils has been broadly supported and is seen as a positive development for the future of young leaders, giving them a chance to represent the public in significant roles. However, high expectations could lead to mistrust about the youth’s ability to handle higher positions, posing a significant challenge to their political engagement. Young leaders must recognize and address these concerns to secure their future participation in the political arena.

By: Abdirahman Guure

Contact: abdelrahmangure@gmail.com