Somalia’s parliament is gearing up for a crucial vote on the nation’s amended provisional constitution during a joint session set for Saturday in Mogadishu. However, the process faces opposition from former presidents Farmajo and Sheikh Sharif, as well as the Puntland state.
In a joint parliamentary session held in Mogadishu on Thursday, lawmakers engaged in deliberations over the final draft of the amended proposal, marking the third phase of the constitutional review process.
Chairman of the constitutional review committee, Hussein Idow, disclosed that 7,470 Somali citizens had contributed their views and recommendations on the new amendment, with a total of 213,838 Somali citizens having reviewed the constitution.
Among the notable changes proposed in the final draft is the provision for a President and a Prime Minister, with the former granted the authority to appoint and dismiss the latter from office.
Previously, the constitution mandated that the President appoint the Prime Minister, who would then require a vote of confidence from parliament. Additionally, parliament retained the power to remove the Prime Minister through a vote of no confidence.
Further amendments being debated include setting the term of office for government constitutional bodies at five years, designating regional state presidents as leaders, and instituting three political parties within the country.
Meanwhile, the Puntland regional state has voiced opposition, contending that Somalia’s federal, democratic, and multi-party system should not undergo unilateral amendments. Puntland officials expressed apprehension that changes discussed in the National Consultative Forum (NCC) without their input would undermine the cooperative spirit intended for the nation’s recovery and governance.
