Somaliland has yet witnessed another important step towards inclusive democracy in regard with women and other marginalized groups. The three political parties have realized the importance of women representation and came up with a slot for women in upcoming local and parliamentary elections which we must congratulate the National Executive Committees of Kulmiye, Wadani and Ucid about the decision made to present female candidates from each party in all regions of Somaliland that will mark an increase the number of the parliamentary representation from one member in history to six out of the 82 seats.

According to the regional allocation of parliamentary seats Maroodijeex (20 seats), Awdal (13 seats), Togdheer(15 seats), Sahil (10 seats), Sanaag (12 seats) and Sool (12 seats). Political parties agreed to field one candidate form each party to contest for one seat which will bring the number of women members of the parliament to six.

However, CDG by virtue of representation by population of women in Somaliland the slot of one member representing each region does not satisfactorily cover regions with large population like Maroodijeex, Awdal and Togdheer taking equal number with Sanag, Sool and Sahil.

CDG applauds the political parties on the consideration of the fact that women have reached a time to work along with men in the political structures and legislation. The rights-based democracy and fair representation of citizens of all gender and decision making on matters affecting them is a good sign which benchmarks Somaliland’s progress in political development and social transformation. Therefore, it is a duty of all men and women to support the trend taken by political party leaders in voting for the women quota.

In the recent developments in election law debate the women quota was not passed and thus other mechanisms can currently be advocated for to level up the representation on the 30% of seats allocated so that the political parties share of posts result into 18 women members of parliament. That is 6 of 20 for Maroodjeex, 4 of 15 for Togdheer, 3 of 13 for Awdal and 3 of 12 for Sool and Sanaag, and 2 from Sahil region. Such a representation would result into 64 of 82 seat are for men and 18 seats occupied by women from all Somaliland political parties.

Participating in competitive politics of Somaliland is not only a strong indicator of democratic progress but an anchoring tool for our country’s democracy, the democratic system and transparent governance of Somaliland’s political process. Equal rights should be given to the minorities, in order to elevate Somaliland score of democratic ranking, attract international recognition of Somaliland by international development partners. Bearing in mind that Somaliland women are part of the development from since the war time and made remarkable contribution in society and attainment of liberty from the dictatorship, it is time for the political parties to recognize and consolidate the role of women in political development than leaving them behind.

Fifteen years ago (2005) women in Kuwait’s parliament admired Somaliland democracy as an Islamic model for democracy when it comes to women empowerment. So, political parties should at least expand the slot from 1-woman candidate per pollical party to 2 candidates. It is high time Somaliland considered serving as a good example in its effort to democratize and keep up with the progress in the democratization process started 20 years ago. Somaliland cannot continue standing in the same place on women democracy for almost 2 decades with women who have the capacity manifested in education, numbers of voters, entrepreneurship and productivity in executive positions.