Candidates, not Clans, are in Contention for the Somaliland Presidency
Presidential nominee Abdirahman Cirro has no path to win the presidency if Somaliland presidential election is held today. Most of the voters will not vote for him because he has no plan or strategy to win.
He and his Wadani party have been consumed with whining and complaining and apologizing about Somaliland: “the 2017 presidential election was rigged, Somaliland is not inclusive enough, we’re not included in this, we are not at table in that, and President Bihi is a dictator….”, and so on.
His party has undermined the territorial integrity of Somaliland. They’re aiding and abetting those who hate us and plotting to harm Somaliland.
He is against our Republic and the Somaliland army force that is preserving and protecting our nation. He is giving aid and comfort to our enemy. He is accusing Somaliland military of committing a genocide in Las Anood conflict. He became the mouthpiece of the tribal militias and the terrorists that are fighting in East Sool region.
It’s obvious that the Wadani party is desperate and running out of ideas and sound policy, and now they resorted to violence instead of addressing the most pressing issues that matter most to ordinary Somalilanders.
I know it has been a difficult time for Wadani since losing the 2017 presidential election that they were supposed to win. But Partisan rancor, violence, divisive rhetoric and deep clan divisions will never bring our people together or move Somaliland forward. or help him to win more votes.
It’s time Cirro put country before party or his supporters.
I understand the whole Somaliland political system is weak. Absolutely, Somaliland needs huge reforms on our constitution, our judicial system, our elections laws, our local governments, and so on.
Since 2005, the Somaliland legislature failed to pass meaningful legislation to address the problems of the makeup of the electoral commission, term extensions, the manner presidential nominees are chosen inside the party, and so many other important issues. Cirro was the speaker of the legislature for 15 years. While he was the speaker, he approved multiple presidential and legislative extensions, which were illegal.
In fact, he weakened the legislature branch by making it a part of the Silaanyo/ Hirsi administration—- which was the most corrupt administration Somaliland had.
And now, most of the legislators are not interested in making Somaliland a better place and a well governed nation. They are more interested in bringing down our young nation and destroying the aspirations of 6 million Somalilanders to become a free and democratic Republic, and to be a member of the world of nations
Cirro chose to put his own interest ahead of the country. We are paying a heavy cost. Today, he is using clan identity politics “TOLAYEEY”, political panhandlers, dubious clan elders, cooperate executives, and militant “Ictisaam” clergies, to cover his political failure. It will not work.
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On May 18, 1991, Somaliland people chose the Republic model and democracy system over monarchy, authoritarianism, and tribalism. We must protect and defend our Republic despite its shortcomings.
We must reject those advocating division, tribalism and violence as means to achieve political objectives. We must not tolerate Somalia apologists masquerading as legitimate political parties while aiding and abetting those who are attacking our freedom and nation.
Cirro and some of his die-hard supporters are taking up arms and calling for “blood and violence” unless Cirro is crowned as the next president of Somaliland.
They should understand that the Presidential election is a contest between different nominees. It is not a contest between tribes, clans, or classes. The nominee who wins the most votes is declared the winner. The loser should concede graciously and congratulate the winner. Cirro failed to do so in 2017.
Why should we expect him to concede if he loses the upcoming 2024 election?
Cirro and his supporters will never concede if they lose the election as Trump did in the 2020 election.
Finally, if Abdirahman Ciro wants to win the 2024 presidential election – he should spend less time complaining and whining about Somaliland, the electoral commission, the political organizations, and spend more time appealing to all voters and not only to his sub clan identity-based supporters— he might have more chance of defeating the Kulmiye party—a party that has a lackluster accomplishment to win a third term!
Ali-Guban Mohamed
Founder and Editor Guban Media