(09 Nov 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The newly formed temporary committee of the Somali Parliament, tasked with preparing electoral rules, held its first meeting today in the capital, Mogadishu. This meeting follows the committee’s establishment last Thursday.
The committee, which also has authority over the regulations concerning political organisations, parties, and the electoral commission, is responsible for establishing laws related to electoral boundaries, as outlined in a circular issued by the joint committee of the two Houses.
The first major decision of the committee was the election of MP Mahdi Mohamed Guled, elected as its chairman, and Senator Iftin Hassan Iman Baasto, who was elected as deputy chairman. The election, which was conducted by a show of hands, was attended by Mr Abdullahi Omar Abhirow, the second deputy speaker of the People’s Assembly, and Senator Samsam Ibrahim Ali, Secretary of the Upper House, along with the secretaries of both Houses of Parliament.
Despite this formal step, the committee’s formation has sparked significant debate. There are ongoing disagreements about the approach to the upcoming general elections, with some questioning the committee’s role and its potential influence on the electoral process.
MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, a vocal critic of the committee’s formation, expressed concerns over its legitimacy, arguing that the only joint actions the two Houses of Parliament should undertake are the election of the president, the review of the constitution, and the allocation of the national budget, as stipulated by the constitution.
He also criticised the Speaker of the Upper House, Senator Abdi Hashi, for what he claimed was an undue alignment with the President’s political faction, potentially undermining parliamentary transparency.
“The members of the People’s Assembly were already in the pocket of the President, and they were notorious for violating the Constitution and Assembly rules. It’s unfortunate that Senator Abdi Hashi, who was expected to distance himself from such influences, has joined that group,” MP Warsame stated.
The issue of the committee’s formation has become a flashpoint for political tension in Somalia, with opposition from regional states such as Jubbaland and Puntland, along with critical voices from within the opposition. These factions have voiced their opposition to decisions made during the National Consultative Council meeting, which was passed by vote but faced strong resistance from certain political leaders and regions.
Halqabsi News
