01 June, 2010

4 NEW MINISTERIAL POSTS ARE APPOINTED WHEN SOMALILAND'S ELECTION IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY.



President Riyale appointed 4 new ministerial posts to add to his overcrowded cabinet taking their number over 60 ministerial posts. This is well played practice by the President to help himself in person during an election that is less than a month away. The following ministers were announced by Presidential press release:
   
1. Shucayb Maxamed Muuse Bookh 
State Minister of Public Works
2. Maxamuud Warsame Geedi Jaamac
State Minister of Industry
3., Axmed Xasan Goolle
Deputy Minister of Interior
4.Axmed Jaambiir Kaahin
Adviser to Minister of Interior.

This is received by the public as undemocratic act in which the President is abusing his authority for his personal interest. It is a bribe to gain votes of these men's tribes, in this African nation where clan politics is well played by the government. Ministers who are unelected spent most of their time in Party politics and clan affairs, rather than doing their ministerial duty.
The two opposition parties repeatedly complained of state machinery used for party politics. State Radio and media are used as mouthpiece of UDUB party, the President's part. The only time you hear UCID and Kulmiye, the opposition parts, are when UDUB and government officials denounce their policies. It is well documented by observers of last election a significant lack of neutrality of civil servants and the Police, who succumb to Ministers' pressure. 

Despite these disadvantage, Kulmiye party is tipped to win this election. Kulmiye lost last presidential election by 80 votes only.
It is doubtful that playing same unpopular tactics, will bring benefit to Riyale's dying regime. 
Somaliland's Presidential election will take place on 26 June 2010.
It was postponed three times. Legally the President over stayed his elected term over 2 years.  
Mohamed Haragwaafi
Samotalis Reporter
Hargeysa

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