The members of the parliament met in Mogadishu today following a political crisis created by the September 17 indirect election agreement and passed a special law that gives back the assembly its power to legislate on these delayed elections.
The law, that was debated and approved a majority of 149 lawmakers present at today’s meeting, is also extending the term of the federal government institutions by two years as required to prepare for a direct election.
The law, approved by the Lower House, contains up to nine articles on how to conduct elections. This law, in accordance with Article 47 of the Constitution, gives the House of Representatives the enactment of special laws concerning the electoral system and parties.
The Speaker instructed the Government to ensure that the Independent Electoral Commission is in charge of matters related to the elections at the federal level and that they are fully empowered to implement their constitutional mandate.
In a written statement, the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, welcomed the Special Law passed by the House of Representatives regarding the federal elections, after some regional administrations paralyzed the implementation of the September 17 Electoral Agreement ratified by the House.
The president pointed out that the government is playing a role in implementing the law passed by the parliament which will lead the country to direct elections and restore the Somali people’s constitutional right to choose the leadership they trust.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo called on the Somali people to work together to seize this historic opportunity and participate in the country’s political process.
The President also thanked the friends of Somalia for their support in strengthening the country’s democratic process which has gone through various stages.
The president stressed that government institutions, as stipulated by the constitution, the national responsibilities they represent, diplomatic norms and international principles, should not accept foreign interference in important matters, especially the national elections, which are the sovereign choice of the Somali people and the federal government.
