Completing the institutions of the Somali Federal Government is an important indicator of the stability and success of the nation’s leadership. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hassan Abdi Barre have worked to ensure that all members of the cabinet, Parliament, and judiciary are seated and sworn in as quickly. The HOP#86 Seat is a litmus test for the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hassan Abdi Barre.
The HOP#86 seat was the only one in Parliament that did not have a representative in the May 2022 presidential election, as the interim election committee had annulled the seat’s election results. The annulment was the result of a dispute over the legitimacy of the voter registration process.
This seat was marred by controversy, as former NISA chief and advisor to the President, Fahad Yasin, had claimed victory at the time, and he was alleged to have barred other candidates from contesting for the seat using his leverage as former NISA chief and advisor to the President.
The HOP#86 seat is a unique case, as it is the only one in the country that does not have an elected representative. This situation arose due to a dispute between the interim electoral committee and the clan elders regarding the legitimacy of the voter registration process.
In the weeks leading up to the May 2022 election, HSM promised fairness, justice, consensus, and peaceful resolution for all, and no one would be left behind. His famous election slogan was “”Somaalihishiis ah, Dunidanehishiis la ah.” (Somalia at peace with itself and at peace with the World). Furthermore, In one of the cabinet meetings, Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre said, “Waa inaan u noolaannosida Bini Aadam-ka.” (We must live like human beings.) It implies that fairness and accountability must rule in every aspect of our governing system.
Both leaders gave hope to the Somali masses that a new era had begun for Somalia. However, would President HSM and Prime Minister Hamse follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and mishandle the situation, preventing a potential contender from contesting the seat? Or would they be even worse, as many feared?
The most important thing that both leaders can do to ensure a successful transition is to create an environment in which all Somalis feel safe and respected. This means creating a political culture of transparency and accountability, especially in regard to the selection process of the HOP#86 Seat.
Time will tell, but in the interest of the country and their future political credentials, I hope they will show leadership in the process of filling this seat.
Mohamed Hasan Gelyac
Email: gelyac3@gmail.com
