Yesterday, Somalia’s Presidential Election Committee took an alarming step by forwarding formal documents for the registration of Presidential candidates. The deadline for registration was set for today, between 9 am and 4 pm, with a staggering registration fee of $40,000. This process is not only deeply flawed but also violates the very constitution that should be guiding it.
This clearly demonstrates a lack of foresight and a complete disregard for the principles of democracy. The manner in which this process has been carried out – marked by self-interest and a strange insistence on allocating 20 local parliamentary signatories – has left many close to the process stunned. Instead of focusing on transparent, fair elections, the political elite have worked to expedite the election for their own gain, regardless of the long-term consequences for the Somali people.
What’s even more troubling is the heavy influence of external actors, with Qatar making its presence felt through large financial contributions to the process. Their clear self-interest has raised serious concerns about foreign meddling in Somalia’s democratic process, further compromising the integrity of the election.
The international community, in its haste to wrap up the election, seems more concerned with funding proposals than with ensuring a fair, transparent, and democratic process. This rush to conclude the election at any cost – particularly at the expense of genuine democratic procedures – only weakens the foundation of the nation’s governance.
On top of this, the security situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate, with the country plunged into even more perilous and tragic circumstances. The ongoing violence and instability only serve to make the process more difficult and dangerous for the Somali people.
We cannot allow Somalia to be held hostage by self-serving individuals, foreign interests, and flawed processes. Now more than ever, we need to call for true leadership, integrity, and the restoration of the democratic rights of the Somali people. Only through a transparent, inclusive process can we ensure a brighter future for Somalia.
