Factors Influencing Voting Decisions: Comprehensive Study in Badhan, Eyl, and Qardho Districts of Puntland State of Somalia

Abstract

This study assessed the factors influencing voting decisions in the Puntland state of Somalia. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. The study was guided by three objectives, which included, a) To find out factors influencing voting decisions in Puntland democratic elections, b) To assess the role of clan elders in the voting decisions in Puntland democratic elections, and c) To assess if there are significant relationships between money and voting decisions in Puntland democratic elections. A detailed literature review and a standardized questionnaire were used in data collection. The study contacted 382 respondents who consisted of registered voters in the Qardho, Badhan, and Eyl districts, the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study assesses different variables to determine the factors affecting voting decisions including personality traits, political ideology, tribe, media, political parties, and candidate characteristics. A significant majority of respondents (88.48%), acknowledged that a candidate’s personality traits played a role in influencing their voting decision. Similarly, when queried about the role of political ideology in their voting decisions, most respondents (88.40%) agreed. Regarding the influence of tribal affiliations on voting decisions, a considerable proportion of respondents (72.51%) admitted that tribe played a significant role. Respondents were also asked about the involvement of clan elders in directing their voting choices, with a noteworthy 88.74% stating that their clan elders did not instruct them to support a specific political party. Furthermore, all respondents (100%) affirmed that they had not accepted money in exchange for their votes. This suggests that financial factors did not directly influence the voting decisions of respondents. However, a majority (60.99%) reported that they had either witnessed or heard of instances where money was exchanged for votes during elections in Puntland. This indicates that while respondents themselves were not personally affected by vote buying, they were aware of its prevalence in the electoral process. The study recommends that transparency in political funding, strengthening independency media, enhancing civil engagement, combating vote buying, and promoting inclusivity and diversity are necessary for shaping the democratic process in Puntland as well as improving voting decisions