Democracy, Elections & Civic Participation

Promoting minority participation in democracy is written into ADAM’s mission. A community that does not vote is a community that no candidate needs to answer to — so our work runs from registration all the way to supporting minority candidates on the ballot.

Why this matters

Political marginalisation compounds every other kind. Where minority citizens are under-registered and rarely stand for office, their communities carry no weight in the decisions that allocate schools, clinics, water points and jobs. Somaliland’s electoral cycles are a real opportunity, and they are missed if no one prepares for them in advance.

What we do

• Voter education and civic awareness campaigns in minority communities.
• Support with voter registration and the documentation it requires.
• Encouraging and preparing minority candidates, with a deliberate focus on women.
• Engagement with political parties on minority inclusion in candidate lists and platforms.
• Public forums with electoral bodies, parties and civil society ahead of elections.
• Peace and anti-discrimination messaging around electoral periods.

How we work

We work with the electoral institutions, political parties and civil society coalitions rather than against them, and we stay non-partisan. Our interest is that minority citizens are registered, informed, safe and able to stand — whichever party they choose.