by Mohamed Ibrahim
Tuesday March 8, 2022
As Somalia’s parliamentary and
presidential elections is happening at the moment we aim to develop and
constitute the first ever Somalia Presidential Debates. The organisers are Somalia
Debates, a charity entity that is non-political which aims to enhance
and promote democratic choice through the art of persuasion and debate on many
key challenges facing Somalia. This initiative is designed to enhance democracy
and give Somali leaders present and in the future the opportunity to showcase
their ideas and political mission to a wider audience. What future do they have for Somalia? What
is their economic, security/political stability, social, international trade,
Climate Change, and foreign policy?
Is another future possible beyond personalistic politics? The SD hopes such discourse of this nature
will forensically give the Somali audience and beyond the policy ideas and
leaders on offer from Somalia.
For some time, we have been
frustrated by our Somali politics. The most critical factor that has influenced
our plans is the personalistic nature of our politics. The current political
set up lack substance and ownership from the society at large. It is too closed
a process for political elites and entities.
This is an opportunity to test
the water and move the goal post towards substance led politics where political
actors explain their policies and manifestos to a wider Somali audience rather than
wait for political coronation that is closed from society without any
accountability for their visions and aspirations for Somalia. From optics
points of view, credible elections matter for all. This a new initiative but is
one that must happen and must be embraced by all political stakeholders
This initiate will help enhance
political engagement from the Somali public by discussing substantial bread and
butter issues facing their lives and country. This initiative is beyond
personalistic politics and aims to promote a healthy political discourse that
is interactive, engaging, and progressive for all.
At the heart of our mission
is about democratic choice in the long run, political impartiality,
and Somalia’s future. The road to democratic change is never easy but it
must start somewhere, and all societies and
political stakeholders must pull together towards a democratic transitional
future. It is within this context, we believe Presidential Debate will help that future by promoting democratic
spirit, bringing healthy politics to everyone’s sofa, home and abroad.
Our politics is fractious
and often unpredictable. However, we believe our civil society need to find
that middle ground in our politics
without belonging to any political camp – This where collective progressive
lies ahead. Our people home and abroad have a role in enhancing the road to
democracy and this initiative is intended/attempt to prepare the political
climate, expectations and institutions as well as society for One Person One vote in the coming
future Somali elections beyond 2022.
Somalia Debates has met the United States
based International
Democratic Institute the co-founding member of the Commission on US Presidential Debates where they have provided on
hand guidance/advice throughout our journey to help advance the pursuit of
democracy in fragile recovering nations/societies. Advice and guidance is
continuously on hand on political impartiality which are
integral/critical part of our plans for a fair and open process during the
debates. Our selection criteria,
format of debate, terms of reference, moderator and formal
agreements are ready – and we must now fulfill and summon our historical
democratic tradition in our political process and culture.
Somalia
Debates would like to take the opportunity to commend the international
partner’s unwavering support and the wider international commitment to
Somalia's recovery and prospects. As a civil society we underscore and
appreciate the sacrifices made in blood and treasure.
Our plans are unique in Somalia
and these plans will enhance international partner’s commitment for political
stability, democratic future and the development of strong civil society that
is engaged in the political process while also improving political
accountability, predictability. It is our view this is in our mutual
interest to help this initiative with the necessary political capital,
expertise and guidance from all international partners to help rekindle a
democratic culture and future in Somalia’s politics.
Debates
are often the only time during a campaign when candidates are together at the
same time in the same place. The test before our leaders is whether they can share
the same platform to have a dialogue. To put it bluntly, If they cannot do
that, how would they expect their citizens to unite towards common ground. This
goes to heart of their collective leadership and legitimacy to govern. We will
soon find out who is fit for office and political purpose. We will invite all
the candidates and protect relevance and inclusivity in the
process while also publishing those candidates who have participated or have
failed to participate in these debates.
Mohamed Ibrahim
Director of Somalia Debates
(SD)
www.somaliadebates.org
BA/MSc,
London School of Economics and Political Science, is a keen writer and social
justice campaigner, London based, He can be reached via @Mi_shiine