Somalia: Chaos in Parliament as MPs delay recess over electoral reforms

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's parliament witnessed routine chaos as divisive electoral reforms dominated debate after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked legislators to delay their recess to discuss upcoming elections.

Hassan Sheikh, who is serving his second term, is keen to change some of the cardinal clauses in what would have a permanent effect on the model of elections which would be preferred. He wants the country to adopt universal suffrage elections.

Acknowledging the urgency of the reforms, Hassan Sheikh told legislators to put in extra time to conclude requisite electoral laws before breaking for the end-of-the-year break. Several opposition legislators staged a protest in parliament.

“I am asking the Parliament to give the Somali people the opportunity to have free elections through the approval of the necessary laws. I am asking the Parliament to postpone the vacation period for one month so that the laws to be implemented in the country will be passed,” Hassan Sheikh said.

According to him, Somalia is experiencing a historical transition, which would see the people voting for their leaders directly after over five decades. The universal suffrage model shall replace the indirect or clan-based model of elections.

In the just concluded National Consultative Dialogue, Hassan Sheikh, the Mayor of Mogadishu and the leaders from Southwest, Hirshabelle and Galmudug approved the new model while those from Jubaland and Puntland resisted, blaming Hassan Sheikh for inadequate consultations.

The Council also agreed that all Federal Member State elections be held on a uniform date in August 2025. This, Jubaland argued, would lead to unwarranted term extensions for leaders contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

Shortly after the parliament tussles, former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed stated that direct elections in Somalia are unfeasible due to ongoing insecurity and a lack of political consensus.

Speaking to the media at his Mogadishu residence, he criticized current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to delay the federal parliament's recess, calling it unconstitutional. Somalia is also battling with Al-Shabaab militants and an annexation threat from Ethiopia.

GAROWE ONLINE