The Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People has defended the decision to deduct salaries from lawmakers who miss parliamentary sessions, saying the measure follows procedures outlined in the House’s internal regulations.
The Speaker said lawmakers dissatisfied with the decision have 15 days to appeal and may bring the matter before the House for a formal legal debate.
He stressed that members of parliament have a duty to attend parliamentary sessions and fulfil their responsibilities. He argued that it would be unfair for some lawmakers to regularly perform their duties while others remain absent without meeting their obligations.
The Speaker explained that the salary deductions followed a verification process involving the parliamentary committee responsible for internal regulations and a review of documents related to lawmakers’ attendance records.
He added that lawmakers with official leave or documented special circumstances would be considered separately.
The parliamentary leadership, he said, remains willing to correct any administrative errors, particularly cases in which a lawmaker was wrongly included on the list of those facing salary deductions.
The Speaker clarified that the measure was not intended to punish lawmakers dealing with medical conditions or other exceptional circumstances.
The decision follows an earlier pledge by the Speaker to take action against lawmakers who repeatedly miss parliamentary sessions, including through salary deductions.
He concluded that the decision remains open to legal scrutiny, noting that lawmakers can use established parliamentary procedures to challenge the measure or formally submit complaints.
Mustaqbal
