The Torch is a periodical publication sponsored by UDHIS as a medium of intellectual discourse to address critical issues facing the country and nation, promote good governance and advocate the democratic rights of the individual to join and actively participate in multi party political system.
We believe that the right to’ elect and be elected’ is a natural right, which is guaranteed by the Constitution and UN Bill of Human Rights. We also believe that nobody has the power or moral authority to deprive others the same basic rights and liberties to have their interests and political aspirations represented by a Party of their choice without fear of persecution, restriction or imposition.
Although, Somaliland is a new and fledgling democracy still in its early stages of infancy and so far enjoyed the exalt and praise of international observers for successfully holding peaceful presidential elections, the fact that only 3 permanent political Parties were eligible to compete in the recent national elections meant large portions of the voting public had been marginalised and remain unrepresented by the current political system.,
UDHIS is one such Political Parties made ineligible by the current system to participate in the recent presidential elections. As a result, thousands and thousands of UDHIS natural supporters have not taken part in the elections. Many more had to opt out the initial electoral registration for similar reasons. This is reflected in the low turnout of voters.
Therefore, we would like to use this opportunity to reiterate our long established position that: ‘As long as the current 3-Party system is in place, certain people will continue to be fenced out from participating in the main political spectrum and this will definitely have detrimental impact on our democracy.’
We therefore advise the newly elected administration to refrain from taking the path of his predecessor, which denied our political supporters their Constitutional rights to vote for the party that best represents their interest. Furthermore we warn that any persistent failure to systematically marginalise UDHIS supporters will only spell disaster and probably lead to the discontent of significant majority of people. History lessons taught us that repression is only a recipe for revolt and upraising and consequently clash and conflict.
Having said that we wish the new president the best of luck with his job and pray his actions will bring the lilt and lift that inspires the nation and make his legacy forever lasting in the history of this country.
The Torch Editor-in-Chief
This article appeared on ‘The Torch’ – a periodical publication sponsored by UDHIS Political Party.
UDHIS is one of the political Parties rejected and made ineligible to take part in the recent Somaliland elections due to the illegal and unconstitutional 3-Party Ceiling that Exist in Somaliland. UDHIS represents a large majority of the voting Public and believes the Somaliland Democracy is incomplete as long as the current 3-Party Ceiling. We at UDHIS therefore appeal to all Democratic nations of the world to exert pressure on the newly elected administration of Somaliland to speed up the process of removing the current Ceiling.