The cost of running for a seat in the Somali Parliament is more than most citizens earn in
10 years. That is for the Lower House, as Senate positions are double the amount.
The new electoral law passed by Parliament requires registration fees of $10,000 and $20,000 respectively.
That is before candidates print up any campaign materials or hold campaign events.
This is all part of the electoral deal negotiated by President Farmaajo with state leaders last month.
While it appears that the funds raised will go toward election administration, some think
the high fees limit who can run.
Other critics say the cost of contesting a seat shows that corruption surrounds the process…
…as the winners will expect to make up for the expenses once in office.
A United Nations Somalia Panel of Experts found that MPs were offered as much as $30,000 to support specific candidates in the previous Presidential election.
Women and disabled candidates do get a discount to $2500 for their nomination fees.
These required payments are among the largest in Africa, and are double the rate of the 2016 election.
Kenya, with 40 times the GDP of Somalia, charges $200 for men, and $100 for women and disabled contestants in the Lower House.
Registration fees are doubled for Senate candidates. In Uganda, whose economy is 6 times as large as Somalia’s, registration is $809 to run for the legislature.
Based on the 2016 balloting, it is expected on average 5 candidates will contest each seat in
the Lower House. This would net the election officials almost $14 million. The Senate fees should add up to over $5 million.
Before the new deal was struck between the Federal and Regional governments, a one person one vote format was favoured.
The National Independent Electoral Commission was asking for over $50 million to conduct such polling.
The indirect elections will involve 101 electors per constituency. They will be chosen from clan elders, civil society and regional governments.
ADNTV will continue to post updates as polls in Somalia take shape.
