Somaliland: Somaliland's huge success! By Professor Iqbal Jhazbhay.

PRESS STATEMENT ON 26TH JUNE 2010 SOMALILAND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS .BY PROFESSOR IQBAL JHAZBHAY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA 

In my capacity as Professor at the University of South Africa, I was honoured to witness Somaliland’s 2010 Presidential Elections over a 7 day period (22 to 29 June 2010). A veritable feast for field-researchers and NEPAD political activists for good governance!

Indeed, this 2nd historic Somaliland Presidential election is a huge success. The peaceful transfer of power via the ballot box, and the credible democratic election process – a rarity, is an additional boon to Somaliland’s reputation as ‘Africa’s best-kept secret’.

My best congratulations to the winner, President-elect Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo, and to President Dahir Rayale Kahin, AND Mr. Faisal Warabe, for the graceful acceptance of the results. (Kulmiye - 49.59%, Udub - 33.23%, Ucid -17.18%).

Having the rare opportunity to observe Somaliland’s 2001 referendum, its 1st democratic 2003 Presidential elections as well as the 1st 2005 democratic Parliamentary elections, I am heartened to notice:

1. The increasing international press coverage of Somaliland’s 2010 elections. Clearly, Somaliland’s ‘best-kept secret’ is being made more public in many corners of the world!

2. The ‘transparent’ expression of the will of the Somaliland people on polling day, in spite of threats from Muslim extremist forces, is additional testimony of the people’s resilient desire for peace, stability and a better Somaliland.

3. The passion of the young university graduates, notably women, and the smooth running of the electoral polling stations is a commendable feature, worthy of emulation in Africa and beyond. In this context, the National Electoral Commission leadership, its team members, should be congratulated for the good electoral preparations. Face Technologies of South Africa, for executing its tender of preparing the election identity cards.

4. In spite of the intense international focus of South Africa hosting the World Cup Soccer, many citizens of the world made time to observe Somaliland’s 2010 elections. The Norwegian, Finnish, UK, and US election observer teams come to mind.

5. Many friends of Somaliland now await the inauguration day of President-elect Ahmed Mohamed Silaanyo and the peaceful transfer of power. May Somaliland’s path to development and democracy continue! It can count on its friends, as Somaliland re-doubles its efforts on the international road to recognition.

Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay is author of Somaliland: An African Struggle for Nationhood and International Recognition. He serves on the board of the Institute for Global Dialogue and is a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee’s Sub-Committee of International Relations.

By Professor Iqbal Jhazbhay.