NPGM '06: Recommendations

Group One: Elections and Democratisation Process

On the future of the Guurti:

• If the Guurti is a legislative body similar to the House of Representatives, then we recommend that it should be elected directly like the House of Representatives. But if the Guurti is a non-political body that deals with traditional, religious, and peace issues, then it should be nominated.

On women representation:

• There should be specific quota for women;
  
• A bill should be drafted in accordance with Somaliland's constitution that allocates specific quota for women and the marginalized clans. The two women MPs should sponsor such a bill. The Academy and others should provide the expertise and the technical support in drafting such a bill.

On the number of the political parties:

• We recommend that the political parties should be limited to the current three. However, there should legislation that makes these three political parties democratic ones.

Group Two: Resource-based Conflicts

• Developing a Land Tenure Law
  
• Environmental Management Policy
  
• Establishing a coordination body that coordinates the activities of the mandated bodies: The government ministries and regional authorities and districts
  
• Enhancing the collaboration among stakeholders
  
• Reforestation (tree planting nurseries)
  
• Legislation and clear policy for marine resources
  
• Environmental awareness raising for pastoralists
  
• Encourage alternatives fuels (LPG, kerosene, wind, solar)
  
• Subsidies and tax exemption for kerosene
  
• Setting pilot projects for kerosene use
  
• Charcoal production & marketing regulation (Ministries of Finance and Commerce)
  
• Income generation for charcoal producers and pastoralists
  
• Food for work projects to be developed
  
• Drop irrigation in arid lands
  
• Establishment of forest guards and mobile army units selected from regulars to protect forest zones
  
• Ensuring local community participation
  
• Enhance efficiency of charcoal production and usage
  
• Water conservation through catchments and dams
  
• Experiences of neighbouring countries to be sought regarding research on reforestation and kerosene
  
• Establishing arid land research & training institute (mid-level technicians)
  
• Capacity building for Ministry
  
• Demonstration schemes to be established

Group Three: Decentralisation

• Setting the legal framework that defines the authority and responsibilities of the local and the central government and the relationship between the two.
  
• The central government should demonstrate the political will to promote the decentralisation process.
  
• The central government should provide technical and other assistance to the local authorities.
  
• The Mayor should be elected directly by the electorate.
  
• To initiate massive public awareness on the issue of local governance.

Group Four: Miscellaneous

• Establishing a national religious body that deals with religious differences.
  
• Harmonising the existing diverse legal traditions.
  
• Reviewing the constitution through long public consultation.
  
• Establishing an office responsible for the dissemination of the laws and legislation passed by the Parliament.

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