Between political transition and clan : A case study of Somalia's attempts to the establishment of a democratic electoral system and related resistance

The aim of this study was to see what the fundamental efforts were to bring about a democratic electoral system in Somalia? What are the significant obstacles in relation to the planned electoral system and what can the clan, the constitution and external actors mean in this context? What efforts can be made to introduce a democratic electoral system? This study was conducted by using five semi-structured interviews and material collected on Somalia’s history, current state, and clan society. This paper concludes that there are different factors such as the International Community, the federal member states, Clan representatives, and major donors, which have had an effect on the democratization process in Somalia. Furthermore, it shows that the main problem is the application of the Constitution that is being hindered by the political elite and the federal member states. This research suggests several measures that must be enforced to carry out a democratic election, 1. A will from the political elite to speed up the process around the new electoral system, 2. The Constitution process must continue and be implemented, 3. Stable institutions, laws and regulation must be implemented, 4. The country’s security must be strengthened. This study discovers that Somalia is in the decision phase in accordance with Rustow’s transition theory, where the country is slowly but surely applying democratic principles and rules into the Constitution.