The “Citizens’ Expectations Towards the House of Representatives Elected in 2021” report, initiated by the Somaliland Dialogue Working Group (SDWG), captures insights from an October 2023 participatory meeting aimed at enhancing the relationship between citizens and their elected MPs. The event provided a platform for Somaliland’s public to express their expectations, engage in dialogue with MPs, and gain a deeper understanding of the parliament’s structure and function. SDWG emphasized the importance of clear, mutual understanding between MPs and their constituents as a foundation for responsive and representative governance.
Key topics included the roles, responsibilities, and accountability of MPs within the House of Representatives. Discussions highlighted the need for transparency in parliamentary processes and focused on defining MPs’ duties, including their role in creating legislation, representing constituent interests, and overseeing government actions. This clarification of roles aimed to empower citizens to engage with their MPs effectively and to understand how the parliament operates as a voice for the people.
SDWG underscored that building a mutual relationship between MPs and citizens requires active, ongoing dialogue. Through these efforts, citizens are better positioned to hold their representatives accountable and advocate for transparent governance. The meeting fostered a greater sense of responsibility among MPs to meet the expectations of their electorate, creating an environment where public trust in parliamentary processes could be strengthened.