By Goth Mohamed Goth

In a press conference held on Saturday (27/ 02/2021) in Hargeisa by Nagaad Network , Somaliland women candidates and minorities communities vying for the local and regional elections in Somaliland, praised the President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Muse Bihi Abdi and the country’s political parties for waving the registration fee required by the National Electoral Commission from the candidates that it has put a lot of pressure on women candidates who have been planning to participate in the upcoming elections.

Ms. Sucaad Ibrahim, a candidate speaking on behalf of the women contenders said, “I would like to use this opportunity to thank the President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Muse Bihi Abdi and the leaders of country’s political parties (KULMIYE, WADDAN& UCID) for waving the registration fee required by the National Electoral Commission from the candidates that it has put a lot of pressure on women candidates who have been planning to participate in the upcoming elections.

“As you are aware of most candidates were been select through the dominant clan structure does not provide a mechanism for women’s involvement in such political processes and the financial constraints facing us”, said Ms. Sucaad Ibrahim.

Lastly, Ms. Sucaad Ibrahim urged the general public in all regions to elect women candidates in their respective constituencies by electing at least two women candidates in each region, it have being said that women are reluctant,  yet they don’t have supportive means. We believe that women’s participation in the decision-making process can be a master key to realize a meaningful life, i.e. Access to all other rights including equal economic opportunities and inclusive decision making for all social groups.