Politics of Somaliland

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Somaliland
This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Somaliland

Constitution of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf Yasin Parliament House of Elders House of Representatives Political parties Politicians Elections President 2003 Parliament 2005 Regions Foreign relations Military of Somaliland See also: Politics of Somalia
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The Politics of Somaliland take place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, with the President as head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in two chambers of parliament, the House of Representatives and the House of Elders. The majority of Somalilanders come from the Isaaq clan, but many are members of the Dir (Gadabuursi and Ciise) and Harti/Darood (Warsangeli and Dulbahante) clans. Although comprised of multiple clans, Somaliland has managed to transcend clan differences by uniting through its independent and self-determining political culture, as well as collective fear of domination by the south. Lack of international recognition has meant that Somaliland has not had access to forms of government support for peace-building and reconstruction, although international aid organizations have done much to help restore essential services and infrastructure, clear land mines, reintegrate displaced populations, promote indigenous welfare organizations, and, more recently, to strengthen government bodies. As a result, Somaliland has performed much of its political reconstruction indigenously from the ‘bottom up.’

1 Background
2 Executive Branch
3 Legislative Branch
4 Political parties and elections
- 4.1 2005 Parliamentary election
- 4.2 2003 Presidential election
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Background

Somaliland has formed a hybrid system of governance combining traditional and western institutions. In a series of inter-clan conferences, culminating in the Borama Conference in 1993, a beel (clan or community) system of government was constructed, which consisted of an Executive, with a President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers; a bicameral Legislature; and an independent judiciary. The traditional Somali council of elders (guurti) was incorporated into the governance structure and formed the upper house, responsible for selecting a President as well as managing internal conflicts. Government became in essence a "power-sharing coalition of Somaliland's main clans," with seats in the Upper and Lower houses proportionally allocated to clans according to a pre-determined formula. In 2002, after several extensions of this interim government, Somaliland finally made the transition to multi-party democracy, with district council elections contested by six parties, considered the "most peaceful in Africa for twenty years."

The district elections also determined which parties were allowed to contest the parliamentary and presidential elections, where a party was required to demonstrate at least twenty percent of the popular vote from four out of the six regions. This important caveat insured that parties would focus on consensus building and would not organize around ethnic lines. Subsequently, three parties were selected to submit presidential candidates: the United Democratic Peoples’ Party (UDUB), Kulmiye, and the Party for Justice and Welfare (UCID). On April 14, 2003, 488,543 voters participated the presidential elections, which ran more or less smoothly. The result was a slim eighty vote controversial victory for UDUB over the Kulmiye, complicated by allegations of ballot stuffing against the incumbent UDUB. Despite calls for the Kulmiye to form a rival government, the party’s leadership did not do so, instead choosing to abide by the Supreme Court ruling that declared UDUB’s victory. Despite minor demonstrations, the transition to the presidency of Daahir Rayaale Kaahin proceeded peacefully. This transition, combined with the fact that Kaahin was not a member of the dominant Isaaq clan, speaks volumes about the inter-clan commitment to peace-building and the rule of law. It could be, according to Steve Kibble, "the first indigenous modern African form of government." Without a doubt, the Somaliland government holds legitimacy in the eyes of its own people.

Somaliland boasts a constitution, a functional parliament and government ministries, an army, a police force, judiciary, and many of the signs of statehood, including a flag, currency, and passports. Nonetheless, it faces some significant problems to its continued survival. Like other Somali governments, it lacks a consistent taxation base and receives most of its support from private actors. Corruption remains a problem, women are virtually unrepresented in government, and there are growing concerns about voting patterns based on ethnic lines as well as the virtual monopoly that UDUB has gained over both the regional councils and presidency in a majoritarian political context. Moreover, the large part of Somalilanders still harbour vivid memories of a predatory and extractive central state and are therefore wary of the construction of any strong central authority; this is evident in the importance placed on the role of the regional councils in dealing with local problems.

[edit] Executive Branch

Main office holders
Office	Name	Party	Since
President	Dahir Riyale Kahin	UDUB	2002

[edit] Legislative Branch

The Parliament (Baarlamaanka) has two chambers. The House of Representatives (Golaha Wakiilada) has 82 members, elected for a five year term . The House of Elders (Golaha Guurtida) has 82 members, representing traditional leaders.

[edit] Political parties and elections

For other political parties see List of political parties in Somaliland. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Somaliland.

Somaliland elects on national level a head of state (the president) and a legislature. The president is elected by the people for a five year term.

[edit] 2005 Parliamentary election

[discuss] – [edit]
**Summary of the 28 September 2005 House of Representatives of Somaliland election results**
Parties	Votes	%	Seats
For Unity, Democracy, and Independence (Ururka dimuqraadiga ummadda bahawday)	261,449	39.0	33
Peace, Unity, and Development Party (KULMIYE Nabad, Midnimo iyo horumar)	228,328	34.1	28
For Justice and Development (Ururka Caddaalada iyo Daryeelka)	180,545	26.9	21
Total	680,322	100.0	82
Invalid votes	4,585
Total votes cast	674,907
Source: IRI

Main article: Somaliland parliamentary election, 2005

[edit] 2003 Presidential election

[discuss] – [edit]
**Summary of the 14 April 2003 Somaliland presidential election results**
Candidates - Nominating parties	Votes	%
Dahir Riyale Kahin - For Unity, Democracy, and Independence	205,595	42.08
Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo - Peace, Unity, and Development Party	205,515	42.07
Faysal Cali Warabe - For Justice and Development	77,433	15.85