Somali youths yesterday held a meeting to chart ways of enhancing their participation in this year's electoral process.

The meeting held on Monday in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, follows concerns that the youth have not been fully involved in the electoral process, despite requirements by Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) that young people must be part of the 14,025 delegates who will elect the 275 members of the house of the people.

The one-day meeting was organized by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights in conjunction with Save Somali Youth Organization (SASOYO), a non-governmental organization (NGO), with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Present at the conference were federal government officials who included the Director of Communication and Awareness in the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, Ms Adar Ali Mohamed; AMISOM Gender Officer, Ms Mane Ahmed; the Chairperson of SASOYO, Ms Naima Adan Elmi; the Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT), Ms Nafisa Geedi Santur and the leader of the Gender sub-committee of FIEIT, Ms Saido Musciid.

Speaking at the conference, Ms Adar Ali Mohamed, noted that youths, who form 75 percent of the population, must not be left out of the country’s political agenda, saying young people were the future leaders of Somalia.

"Since you were educated to serve your country, you must stand to save the country. The youth form 75 percent of the Somali population and therefore should be involved in the political process of the country. The country needs your service,” Ms Mohamed stated.

AMISOM Gender Officer, Mane Ahmed, observed that Somali youth not only represent the future of the country, but also that of the continent, urging them to actively participate in the affairs of the country.

"This is a good opportunity for the youth. You will be participating in the elections and your participation does not have to be restricted to being candidates. You can be observers to witness how the electoral process is taking place. You need to know that you are the future of Somalia and as such contribute more to the tremendous progress towards sustainable peace and security of your country” Ms Mane explained.

SASOYO Chairlady, Naima Adan Elmi, urged the youth to unite and develop a common stand. "Let us play our role given that we are the majority. Let us rely on one another irrespective of our educational and clan status. We should unite and have a common position in politics,” Ms. Naima said, adding that similar meetings will be held in other parts of the country.

FIEIT Deputy Spokesperson, Ms Nafisa Geedi Santur, noted that the upcoming electoral process presents the best opportunity for the youth in Somalia, given the fact that it is more inclusive compared to the previous ones, with at least 10 out of 51 delegates of each Electoral College being youth.

"You have the best opportunity this year. It will give you the time to organize yourselves and decide what kind of members of parliament you want, those who will best represent your interests,” Ms Nafisa observed.

The participants thanked the organizers of the conference, saying they had learnt a lot on the electoral process and its importance.

Muna Hassan Mohamed, a participant and also a parliamentary candidate said; "As a young lady aspiring to join parliament, I am very pleased with the conference. A conference like this helps the youth to know their rights, especially in Somalia where the youth are not actively involved in leadership. It also gives me an opportunity to interact with my brothers and sisters and brainstorm on creative ways to participate in politics.”

Another participant, Mohammed Ali Liiban, described the conference as timely, adding that it will help enhance youth participation in the electoral process.
Liiban’s comments were supported by Fardowsa Matan Bulle, who noted that the conference had broadened their knowledge about politics and how to participate in the electoral process.

Somalia will hold presidential elections on 30 November, this year, while parliamentary elections, for both lower and upper houses, will be held from October 23 to November 10. The elections of speakers, for both houses of parliament, are scheduled to take place on 23 November, this year. AMISOM is fully committed to support the process.