By Mohamed Ali
Introduction
The recent elections in Puntland have marked a significant milestone in the region’s political landscape. The expansion of political space and increased public participation, particularly among women, youth, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), has set the stage for a more inclusive and representative governance system.
Despite the fragmentation of votes among different contesting parties, this development signals a promising shift towards democratization and public empowerment in Puntland.
Election Outcomes
The election results revealed a highly competitive political environment, with no single party securing a majority. This dispersion of votes underscores the diversity of political opinions and the active engagement of the electorate. Such a scenario necessitates coalition-building and collaborative governance, potentially leading to a more balanced and representative administration.
Public Participation and Its Implications
The expanded political space has allowed ordinary citizens to voice their opinions and influence decision-making processes. This increased public participation is crucial for enhancing public confidence and government legitimacy. The engagement of women, youth, and IDPs in the electoral process is particularly noteworthy, as these groups have historically been underrepresented in Puntland’s political discourse.
Youth Expectations and Challenges
Youth, who constitute 70% of Puntland’s population, have high expectations from the democratic process. However, approximately 60% of them are unemployed, facing an uncertain future. This demographics’ participation in elections reflects their hope for tangible improvements in their livelihoods through better governance and service delivery.
The government must prioritize youth employment on its development agenda to address these challenges effectively. The youth’s high expectations highlight the urgent need for policies and programs that create job opportunities and foster economic growth.
Recommendations for addressing youth unemployment
Vocational Training and Education:
Implement comprehensive vocational training programs tailored to market needs.
Enhance the quality of education and align curricula with industry demands.
Entrepreneurship Support:
Provide financial support and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
Establish business incubators and innovation hubs to nurture start-ups.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Foster collaborations between the government and private sector to create job opportunities.
Incentivize businesses to hire young professionals through tax breaks and subsidies.
Productive sector and Infrastructure Development:
Invest in productive sector and infrastructure projects that can generate employment.
Focus on sectors like fishing, livestock, energy, and technology, which have high job creation potential.
Youth Engagement in Governance:
Ensure youth representation in decision-making bodies.
Create platforms for young people to participate in policy discussions and governance processes.
Conclusion
The recent Puntland elections have set the stage for a more inclusive and participatory political environment. While the fragmentation of votes poses challenges, it also opens up opportunities for coalition-building and collaborative governance. The active engagement of women, youth, and IDPs is a positive development, but it also raises public expectations for good governance and service delivery.
Addressing the urgent issue of youth unemployment should be a top priority for the Puntland government. By implementing targeted policies and programs, the government can harness the potential of its young population, fostering economic growth and stability. This, in turn, will enhance public confidence in the democratic process and strengthen the legitimacy of the government.
Mohamed Ali
Email: [email protected]
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Mohamed Ali is humanitarian and development professional who writes about governance, health, education and youth
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