By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Three years ago today, Candidate Abdirahman Cirro handed over the leadership of the Waddani Party to Chairman Hersi Ali H. Hassan. It was a politically groundbreaking move in the country’s political culture, based on encouragement, confidence, and institutional development. However, many people expressed concern, while others opposed it at the time, viewing it as ease and complacency. The results of today’s elections clearly testify to the correctness of Candidate / President Abdirahman Cirro’s decision back then.
Politics requires innovation and courage to explore new paths, as well as building trust and confidence within the collective team and strengthening party affiliation. It is not necessary for a leader to always follow well-trodden or known paths; rather, they should be able to harness the insights and support of the people towards new emerging paths. The late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is famously quoted on this matter, stating, “Great leaders don’t seek consensus. They create consensus.”
I believe this is one of the lessons we can learn politically from the election, certainly not the only one, as many others exist.
