Somalia Parliament concludes ahead of 2016 polls

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Lawmakers in Somalia’s 9th federal parliament have convened for their last session ahead of 2016 elections on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

The MPs whose constitutional mandate will expire on August 20 are debating contentious constitutional issues, lawmaker Mohamed Omar told reporters in Mogadishu.

Somali parliament is likely to pass a resolution entrusting the country’s Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) to the next parliament.

“The agenda includes briefing by Constitutional Review Commission and MPs will subsequently adopt a resolution on the constitution,” said Omar.

National Leadership Forum (NLF) which brings together President, Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister and regional Presidents extended own term by 50 days.

The move spawned controversy over “constitutional consistency" should elections be based on a new timetable that sets 30th of October as the date for Presidential election.

Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is under pressure to resign after his term ends on September 10 later this year.

On August 13, a coalition of opposition parties issued a joint statement in Mogadishu, calling on the President to keep at bay constitutional crisis, and leave office once the constitutionally-mandated term terminates.

The statement came, four days after Presidential contenders-Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Ali Haji Warsame—voiced concern over possible abuse of executive authority.

The main parties in the opposition bloc strongly railed against any term extension for the government, and urged the President to come to his senses.

“[National Leadership Forum] communiqué runs counter to the constitution and could lead to constitutional crisis,” read the statement.

Continuing, opposition parties called for the need to summon national respect for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2275/2016 on March 24.

National poll contenders continue to slam the manipulation of timetable for political opportunism.

GAROWE ONLINE