ABSTRACT
The elections which had brought the S.Y.L. to power with such overwhelming authority had left a bitter legacy of discontent. The democratic parliamentary process which had seemed to blend so well with traditional Somali political institutions and had begun with such verve and promise, had turned distinctly sour. The National Assembly was no longer the symbol of free speech and fair play for all citizens. Scientific Socialism was the cornerstone of official policy and closely linked with the ideals of unity or 'togetherness', 'self-reliance' and 'self-help'. The announcement of the advent of Scientific Socialism was coupled with a vehement denunciation of tribalism, which as the official slogan succincdy stated 'divides [where] Socialism unites'. The Political Office of the President was expanded into a national organization of apparatcics staffing 'orientation centres' (hanuunin) which were set up in all permanent settlements of any size throughout the country.
