The concept of negotiated democracy which was highly publicized a few weeks ago seems to have run into serious headwinds. The idea which gained currency mainly in the North eastern province inhabited by Somalis was conceived as a way of ensuring amity and unity among various clans residing in the province, as a way of checking ethnic polarization and negative political competition that potentially lead to disenfranchisement and conflict.
At first blush, the idea appeared novel and timely, but that has not prevented serious divisions, allegations of favoritism and gate keeping by clan elders to bubble to the fore and seriously question the effectiveness of "negotiated democracy".
When the idea of "negotiated democracy" was first brought to the limelight in Mandera County by the Garre council of elders, Most of the politicians from Mandera starting with Mandera senator, Billow Kerrow agreed to abide by the precepts and verdict of the clan elders.
But not all politicians supported the idea. Mandera governor, Ali Roba was the first to flatly refuse to buy into the idea of "negotiated democracy" promising to come up with his own line of contestants for various political positions in Mandera, starting from members of parliament (MP's) to members of the county assembly (MCA's).
Although nothing much has been heard about Wajir County, Garissa is fast experiencing the vagaries of "negotiated democracy". Several aspirants for different seats in the county are pointing fingers and refusing to abide by the demands of the elders.
In a region where most clan decisions are promulgated through the elders, the defiance by the political aspirants is doing a serious blow to the authority of the elders. It's also throwing another question into the jinx. Should the aspirants heed the verdict by the elders?
For instance, in Garissa County, the Abdwak council of elders under Mzee Deqow Sambul has worked tirelessly to hammer out a deal among the community's aspirants for the different elective seats but some of the contenders have chosen to defy the elders and go against the grain.
In the deal, Majority leader, Aden Dualle will be the community's flag bearer for the Garissa township seat while youthful ODM Member of Parliament for Balambala, Abdikadir Aden was prevailed upon to step down in favor of Abdi Omar Shurie. However, Aden stuck to his guns and has made it abundantly clear that he will contest in Balambala come rain or high water.
Two other members from the clan, Abdi Yare and Siyat Osman have also said that they will remain on the ballot box come what may, raising the question, will "negotiated democracy" work, after all is said and done?
The other Ogaden clans of Auliyahan and Abdalla are also having a tortuous time with the idea of "negotiated democracy" according to early indications. Although former deputy speaker Farah Maalim is the main political horse for the Auliyahans, at least two other aspirants have expressed interest in the Garissa township seat. The story could be eerily similar for the Abdallas, another sub clan of the Ogadens in Garissa.
Those opposed to "negotiated democracy" see it as a clear affront to democracy and concur that it deprives voters of their rights of choosing their preferred candidates. They also observed that "negotiated democracy" erodes democracy by diluting the quality of the electoral "gene pool" available to voters in an election.
Democracy is a complicated affair and I tend to agree with Winston Churchill when he said, "democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried".
All this begs the question; will the concept of "negotiated democracy" unravel before it even starts? The weeks and months ahead will hopefully help us in answering that question.
