Editor, RE: “Somalis should stand up for their country” (The New Times, December 29). I would say that the lady (Faduma Ayib) has got every right to run for presidency but it seems that she is underestimating basic facts. It is a well known fact that what the lady is claiming to vie for is not in the hands of voters—it is in the hands of corrupted clan elders and others. It is apparent that there are no indications for free and fair elections in the country. Again here I have got a different view that brings a change in Somalia, but this doesn’t mean one has to start from the top. Our nation needs all kinds of change, and most importantly we need to educate our public so that to ensure standards of our citizens improve. An educated citizen would know the correct criteria to choose a leader so that when we attain this goal, citizens have the mandate to employ leaders, then that time people like Ms. Ayib will find votes in their ballot box. Before that is done, I don’t think whether leaders of today are serious about their empty promises. HD Msc Gudel
