In the 60s Somalia was described as the most democratic country on the African continent.
People expressed themselves without fear unlike in most post-independent African countries where authoritarianism was being entrenched. This was derived from the traditional principle that every person has a right to be heard.
At a time when most newly independent countries like Kenya were drifting towards a one party state, Somalia's vibrant democracy encouraged political parties to thrive.
One article by the Associated Press in 1966 read:
"Somali is perhaps the most democratic country on the dark continent. Half a dozen political parties contest in free elections. Government officials get modest salaries and drive modest automobiles."
Almost everyone had a voice in the country's political future. In fact a research paper by the US government argued that "the level of political participation often surpassed that in many developed Western democracies."
However to many observers, this excessive democracy is what led to the collapse of Somalia's institutions, landing the country in great turmoil. Hopefully Somalia will rise up again.
source: https://web.facebook.com/opiyo.levin
People expressed themselves without fear unlike in most post-independent African countries where authoritarianism was being entrenched. This was derived from the traditional principle that every person has a right to be heard.
At a time when most newly independent countries like Kenya were drifting towards a one party state, Somalia's vibrant democracy encouraged political parties to thrive.
One article by the Associated Press in 1966 read:
"Somali is perhaps the most democratic country on the dark continent. Half a dozen political parties contest in free elections. Government officials get modest salaries and drive modest automobiles."
Almost everyone had a voice in the country's political future. In fact a research paper by the US government argued that "the level of political participation often surpassed that in many developed Western democracies."
However to many observers, this excessive democracy is what led to the collapse of Somalia's institutions, landing the country in great turmoil. Hopefully Somalia will rise up again.
source: https://web.facebook.com/opiyo.levin
