Abstract
Public opinions and evaluations of federal systems are important to the functionality and vitality of those systems. Yet little is known about the general public opinion on whether a federal system of government in Somalia promotes positive political stability, accommodates the interests of different groups and the barriers to transitioning into a federal system whilst being a fragile state. 165 participants representing the stakeholders of society in the Somali Federal Parliament participated in the study. This study argues that the design of federalism is a significant factor for the success of the system in post conflict countries. To enhance the prospects of state rebuilding from a political perspective and to facilitate the envisaged decentralization, there is an enormous need for reform when public institutions are weak. The reforms will have to include political inclusion through a multi-party system, constitutional review, supportive atmosphere for political competition, the clear separation of powers of the federal government and defined exercisable powers between the regional states and central government. In addition, a fair and transparent process is necessary for the creation of federal member states. Barriers are inherent and inevitable in the process of shifting from the previous centralized system and current clan power sharing arrangements to federalism. Key words: Federalism, state rebuilding, political stability, Somalia.
Highlights
It is widely argued that federal system of government is destined and linked to promote positive political stability in general and in democracies
To investigate the adopted federal system in Somalia, this paper focuses on two hypotheses: 1. Whether the current Federal System in Somalia is designed towards enhancing the prospects of state rebuilding from a political perspective and to end the clan conflicts and possible secession
Regarding the first hypotheses H1, which holds the general opinion of the current Federal System in Somalia is not designed towards enhancing the prospects of state rebuilding from a political perspective and to end the clan conflicts and possible secession, has been found supported. 2 (2) = 179, p ≤ 0.05, as the P value is smaller than 5%, the null hypothesis is rejected
Summary
It is widely argued that federal system of government is destined and linked to promote positive political stability in general and in democracies. It accommodates the interests of different groups in terms of identity, ethnicity and other interest groups. Federalism has been widely employed in order to satisfy and accommodate the interests of different groups and to enhance co-existence among different ethnic and other identity groups From this perspective, federalism increases the chances of democratic survival, enhances the political stability through peaceful participation, transition and intergovernmental competition between federal member states to render the desired outcome to the societies that they promote and exist within.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African Journal of Political Science and International Relations
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
