It is almost certain that now Somaliland Election will take place on June 2010.

It is almost certain that now Somaliland Election will take place on June 2010.

By Dr. Mohamed-Rashid Sheikh Hassan

What are the expectations?

The expectations of the Somaliland population are different, according to their clan allegiance, regional residence and, above all, their interest. For instance, from the clan level, each clan wants or expects not be on the defeated side. Soon after when the date of the election is announced, we shall see more many unelected persons who are emotionally and enthusiastically bent to advance their clan interest. Absent in their minds are how the interest of their clans is interlocked with the interest of the other clans and unless the election produces a government that service for all clans justly and equally, it will be almost impossible that the interest of their specific clans will be protected.
The other social group is the business people, whose main interest is often maximization of profits, historically speaking. They will analyze and think about whether, under the forthcoming government, their profit will be increased or decreased. Increase of their profits is largely obtained on the expense of the national interest; because they may not pay the required legitimate customs duties and taxation to the government, by bribing government officials. What they don't realize is that if the election brings about a government that upholds the national interest above other interests, it is to their advantage and their interest will be well protected. For instance, they will get a legitimate profit which has also the blessing of Allah. They will also make a healthy contribution to the national development.

The Diaspora is expecting that the election produces a government that is committed to the development of the country. When they visit the country they would like to see a government that makes available what is to them normal basic facilities, such adequate running water, electricity, health service, education, and good roads. A government that they can be proud of its actions and polices. A government that is committed to the modernization of Somaliland at every aspect you look at.
The other group is the population in large. They expect from this election to produce a government that is free from corruption and nepotism. A government that is committed to the general well-being of Somaliland population. A government that protects the country from foreign aggression and tightens the security of the country so that every citizen enjoys a permanent peace. A government that introduces a meaningful developmental polices that create jobs for the young people and more chances for education. A government that provides the population with a secure health service and create projects for the advancement of women. A government that protects the human right of the individual. A government that understands and committed to the "Social Contract" that is the philosophical embodiment of the state.
The international community would like to see a government that keeps security and peace in Somaliland at the time when there exist the political situation in Somalia which is increasingly deteriorating, uncertainty about the future democracy in Ethiopia and the unpredictable threat that engulfs Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Recently I was in Nairobi. I met the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, some European Ambassadors, such as the Swedish Ambassador. I also met the Vice president of the Kenyan Parliament Mr. Farah Mu'allim and other Kenyan politicians and journalists. They all think the coming election in Somaliland is very important and it will definitely determine the future of Somaliland. It will also add a new dimension to the politics of the Region. The expectation is to get a free and fair election that brings about a government which fulfils what are in the imaginations of all the above interest groups and many others. The consensus is that the return of the present government in Somaliland will not bring this change; therefore, the significant change must come from the opposition and Somaliland population are keeping their ears and eyes open to that change. 

By Dr. Mohamed-Rashid Sheikh Hassan