Deputy Speaker says Somalia can’t afford constitutional crisis

GAROWE, Somalia-The second deputy speaker of federal parliament Mahad Abdale Awad has said, the country can’t afford constitutional crisis on Monday, Garowe Online reports. 

Speaking in Puntland capital Garowe following a meeting with Puntland Parliament Speaker Ahmed Ali Hashi, Awad stressed the need for the timely honoring of urgently pressing pledges including upcoming Garowe Consultative Constitutional forum. 

“We need to hold constitutional forum before the mandate of current parliament comes to an end. Today, we are passing through critical moments, and we can’t withstand politics of crisis again,” said the federal parliament speaker.

 Awad is leading a parliamentary delegation visiting Puntland ahead of Constitution Conference which will draw Somali political leaderships and dozens of diplomats.  

Hashi on his side noted that their discussions focused on the forum slated for May 26 for whichPuntland had already prepared.  

Delegates of national constituent assembly ratified a draft constitution in October, 2012. On April 4, UN-backed national government and Puntland agreed to a scheme for 2016 electoral process, Upper House, 2020 roadmap, and tight implementation to be closely monitored by international community.   

Somalia Federal Government introduced national election model that garnered swift support from western donors for long baffled by slower pace of the country’s transition from clan-based power sharing formula in January.     

Incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking second term in office under a model, UN envoycalled “a midway point between the election of 2012, when only 135 electors selected 275 Members of Parliament and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say.”     

Somalia held first-ever presidential election on its own since the state collapse, in September 2012.

GAROWEONLINE