Somalia’s Federal Parliament Takes Another Step Towards Elections

Members of both Houses of Somalia’s Federal Parliament convened in a joint session today in Mogadishu and approved a law governing the formation of political associations and parties that will participate in the upcoming elections.

All attending MPs voted in favor of the law, with 177 members supporting it. There were no abstaining votes, as announced by the parliamentary leadership.

Somalia’s Minister of Interior, who attended the session, commended the joint Houses for taking another critical step toward implementing the one-person-one-vote electoral process in the federal government of Somalia.

On Saturday, members of both Houses similarly approved the law establishing the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission. This bill was also passed overwhelmingly by members of the House of the People and the Upper House who attended the session.

However, the parliament’s actions related to election preparations have been met with opposition from the Jubbaland and Puntland administrations, as well as opposition members.

The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation H.E Ali Yusuf Ali (Hosh) thanked lawmakers for their hard work and dedication to Somalia’s democratic ambitions.

The parliamentary sessions, requested by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, are progressing with urgency. The primary focus is the implementation of the one-person-one-vote electoral system, a decision made by the National Consultative Council.

Mustaqbal