July 27 – (Idhanka)-Somaliland has peacefully inaugurated its 4th President, and the second directly elected President since the restoration of sovereignty in 1991.

After a free and fair election on the 26th of June, 50 years after Somaliland independence from the United Kingdom, Somaliland has once again successfully transferred power from one elected President Dahir Riyale Kahin to another President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud.

This peaceful transfer of power should not come as a surprise to old Somaliland hands because this de-facto state has a strong background in democratic principles. In Somaliland, the voice and votes of the people are the final arbiters in the political arena.

This year the people of Somaliland voted for a change in government, and the incumbent President, Dahir Rayale Kahin, to his eternal credit gracefully accepted the result, whilst the new President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud has so far demonstrated remarkable magnanimity, just as he did in accepting the results of the 2003 contest, when he lost by a mere 80 votes.

The recent elections and this peaceful transfer of power is the result of Somaliland?s home grown formula of dialogue, discussion and consensus. A formula based on mutual respect, tolerance, inclusiveness and above all, a final consensus on what is good for the nation and its citizens.

There are some cynics who would say that Somaliland?s smooth transfer of power is due to the fact that Somaliland is not yet a de-jure state, ergo, “there is not much at stake for the politicians to squabble and fight over”.

It is true that Somaliland has not yet received de-jure recognition, but, the people and the political leadership of Somaliland always put the interest of the country above their own.

To lose an election, for a politician, is never an easy thing. It is not easy on the ego, the access, the prestige or the pocket. But, there is no greater sign of political maturity and personal self-respect than to accept the wishes of people, behave with dignity and hand over responsibility to the newly elected officials. The old maxim still applies “You win some, you lose some, but the state carries on”.

In Somaliland, on the 26th of June 2010, the voting public, the candidates, the elections commission and all those involved on this particular election conducted themselves with honour and dignity.

On the 27th of July 2010, in a peaceful handover of power both the outgoing and incoming governments conducted themselves with maturity and dignity.

It is time for the international community, and in particular the AU, currently meeting in terrorist attacked Kampala to open their eyes, but aside their envy and join the people of Somaliland.

Somaliland has long and hard road ahead, and it has been this way since 1960 and 1991. The people and the political leadership are not afraid of hard work and hard decisions. In a country where tolerance, inclusion and consensus are the main ingredients in nation building, long roads and tough decisions are nothing to fear.

Source:American Chronicle