Somali Future Council Rejects Election of New Parliamentary Speaker

MOGADISHU, Aug. 11 — Somalia’s Somali Future Council has rejected the election of a new speaker of parliament, arguing that the mandate of the Federal Parliament constitutionally expired on April 14, 2026, and that it therefore lacks the legal authority to elect a new speaker.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the council said parliament could not unilaterally extend its own mandate, stressing that the constitution and an inclusive political agreement must govern the terms of state institutions.

The council also warned that holding elections or making political decisions on the basis of disputed legitimacy could produce outcomes that are not universally recognized and further deepen Somalia’s political divisions.

It called for election and mandate disputes to be resolved through political consultations, stating that constitutional amendments and major political decisions should not be pursued through processes lacking broad agreement.

The statement came hours after lawmaker Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur Jama was elected speaker of Somalia’s House of the People in a vote held at the parliamentary headquarters in Mogadishu.

Jama received 142 votes, while his rival, Abdulqadir Omar Moalim, secured 30 votes. Two ballots were declared invalid.

GAROWE ONLINE