Puntland’s Parliament formally legalized political parties on June 28, 2012. The bill represents a milestone achievement for Puntland as it moves towards its first democratic elections in the spring of 2014. Representatives from Somali Family Services attended the Parliamentary debates and the Puntland Library and Resource Center hosted political leaders for discussion and dialogue in the days leading up to the historic vote.Heated debate surrounded the passage of the legislation, focused centrally on the prerequisites for the establishment of a political party. The Electoral Commission originally wrote the bill to require a regional headquarters and 500 documented supporters from eight districts in at least three regions. However, members of Parliament disputed the constitutionality and legitimacy of the proposed framework. They argued for a stricter requirement: headquarters and 500 political supporters in each of Puntland’s eight regions. The bill was eventually amended to accommodate the Parliamentarian’s concerns.

The formal legalization of political parties represents a potentially groundbreaking achievement in the development of a democratic Puntland state. Legislators expressed optimism that political parties would provide a peaceful and constructive outlet for resolving inter-clan and regional tensions. Much remains uncertain, however, as Puntland’s Electoral Commission develops a comprehensive election law in the coming months. Somali Family Services is preparing a survey of the challenges and opportunities for state-building generated by multiparty politics, and its programs on voter education, public media, and civil society capacity building will continue to promote, protect, and preserve democratic progress in the region.

Somali Family Services is a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering a peaceful and democratic Somalia through support of civil society, women, youth, and other marginalized groups

Learn more about SFS’ programs for democracy and governance

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