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A Closer Look at Somalia’s Uninspiring Electoral Process
Having experienced several delays, it is becoming clear that Somalia s election process has not improved since the nation s flawed 2016-17 election. Pictured: A member of the Parliament votes for Somalia s autonomous South West State president in Baidoa, Somalia, on Dec. 19, 2018. (Photo: Mohamed Abdiwahab/AFP/Getty Images)
Commentary By
“I wouldn’t call this an election … this is a selection.”
So said Halima Ibrahim, head of Somalia’s National Independent Elections Commission, about the electoral process in Somalia that will culminate perhaps next month with parliament selecting a president.
While we must wait until the process completes to pass judgment, Ibrahim’s observation is a reminder that the Somali government despite strong international support has failed so far to improve upon the last, flawed “selection” in 2016-17.
Joseph McAndrew
Former member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation Pictured: A member of the Parliament votes for Somalia s autonomous South West State president in Baidoa, Somalia, on Dec. 19, 2018. MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB / Contributor / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
As with Somalia’s 2016-17 electoral process, the parliamentary elections have been several times delayed, and are now scheduled to begin next month.
The delay, as it did last time, led to parliament extra-constitutionally extending its term, which expired in December.
Although there is no realistic alternative to the extension, the recurring disregard for the constitution could lead to further tension and political stalemate.