Somaliland: Democratic Checks and Balances.
Ahmed Kheyre
August 03, 2010
As the newly installed government in Somaliland begins its five year mandate, it is time for Somalilandīs democratic opposition in the parliament to get its act together and to provide the necessary checks and balances needed for democracy to flourish in the country.
For the first time in Somaliland, a single party,KULMIYE, occupies both the presidency and shares a majority in the parliament with UCID.
Somalilandīs parliament prides itself on its independence from the executive branch, nevertheless, a strong opposition is needed to hold the executive branch accountable.
Therefore, it is perhaps time for the two unsuccessful parties in the recent presidential elections, UDUB and UCID to form an alliance in the parliament in order to provide the necessary checks and balances, and guard against executive excess.
If such an alliance is not feasible during the lifetime of this parliamentary session; new parliamentary elections are due within the next 12 months; then perhaps, both UDUB and UCID can formulate an informal alliance to maintain the democratic functions of the parliament.
Somaliland has had a successful elections and a smooth transition of power, it is imperative that the spectre of one party domination does not rear its ugly head.
Somaliland requires a loyal but vociferous opposition to strengthen its democratic credentials.
For the first time in Somaliland, a single party,KULMIYE, occupies both the presidency and shares a majority in the parliament with UCID.
Somalilandīs parliament prides itself on its independence from the executive branch, nevertheless, a strong opposition is needed to hold the executive branch accountable.
Therefore, it is perhaps time for the two unsuccessful parties in the recent presidential elections, UDUB and UCID to form an alliance in the parliament in order to provide the necessary checks and balances, and guard against executive excess.
If such an alliance is not feasible during the lifetime of this parliamentary session; new parliamentary elections are due within the next 12 months; then perhaps, both UDUB and UCID can formulate an informal alliance to maintain the democratic functions of the parliament.
Somaliland has had a successful elections and a smooth transition of power, it is imperative that the spectre of one party domination does not rear its ugly head.
Somaliland requires a loyal but vociferous opposition to strengthen its democratic credentials.
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