Somalia Parliament approves procedural rules for constitutional changes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia approved procedural rules for impending constitutional changes, which have been in offing for the last decade, but there has been no consensus among local politicians, who are pushing for reforms.

Somalia has been struggling with reforms for the last 30 years, but the changes have faced impedance due to conflicting local politics. The government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is keen to initiate reforms.

Wednesday's debates will focus on the powers of the constitutional review and implementation committee. When he assumed office, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledged to initiate changes, including the current parliamentary system.

The MPs have approved procedures that need to be followed for making constitutional changes, voting procedures, and taking a referendum, according to the document publicized by the parliament.

In today's chaotic session, 201, out of 220 MPs present voted in favor of the procedural rules for constitutional changes, per House speaker Aden Madobe.

According to the document, the constitution will be provisional until the result of an agreement from the talks between Somalia and ‘The Somali regions of Somaliland’ is incorporated into the constitution, and a referendum is held, participated by all Somali nationals.

The National Consultative Council (NCC) agreed on constitutional changes, which will see the abolition of the premiership and subsequent adoption of the presidential system, in which every candidate will be required to have a running mate

However, Puntland has objected to the changes, noting that adequate consultations were not done before the final proposal was made. Hassan Sheikh is pushing to have the changes made before the next cycle of elections in 2027.

The Federal Republic of Somalia has been initiating internal reforms geared towards restoring peace and stability. Somalia is also fighting violent extremism, which has impaired development. The reforms have been supported by international partners.

GAROWE ONLINE