Saturday November 2, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Parliament approved a one-month extension to its current session on Saturday following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s request to delay lawmakers’ recess to tackle pressing election laws.
The Parliament was initially set to begin their break on November 6, but lawmakers will now remain in session until early December.
Addressing Parliament on Saturday, President Mohamud underscored the urgency of reviewing and passing essential laws and agreements that require parliamentary approval.
“The Somali people need help from the lawmakers in this house. It’s not about personal interests, but about shaping the future for the next generation,” he emphasized.
The National Consultative Council (NCC) agreement endorsed Wednesday by President Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Mogadishu mayor and three regional leaders, established a roadmap for elections, with local, regional, and municipal elections set for June 2025 and parliamentary and presidential elections in September 2025. The NCC also called for creating a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the electoral process.
Despite recent reforms, including universal suffrage initiatives, the NCC timetable has met opposition from some opposition groups. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe have voiced concerns over the election schedule, adding tension to the deliberations ahead.
Parliament’s extended session aims to resolve these critical issues, providing necessary legislative endorsement for the NCC’s roadmap and reinforcing Somalia’s commitment to transparent and timely elections.