Wednesday November 20, 2024
Somali lawmakers raise their hands during a joint parliamentary session at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu, voting overwhelmingly to approve a landmark law regulating political parties and organizations.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Federal Parliament, in a rare joint session, voted overwhelmingly on Monday to approve a groundbreaking law aimed at regulating the establishment and operation of political parties and organizations. The legislation marks a major step in the country’s ongoing transition toward a multiparty democratic system.
The law was passed in a joint session of both houses held at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu. Out of 178 lawmakers in attendance, 177 voted in favor, with one abstention, and no opposition, according to the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe.
“This law lays the foundation for a transparent and constitutionally guided political process,” said Somalia’s Interior Minister, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, who praised the lawmakers for their unanimous support. “It is a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.”
The new legislation establishes comprehensive rules for political entities, ensuring they operate transparently and responsibly while aligning with Somalia’s Constitution. It is part of a broader push to transition Somalia from a clan-based power-sharing system to a multiparty democracy that reflects universal suffrage.
However, the reform efforts have not been without controversy. The administrations of Jubbaland and Puntland, along with opposition politicians, have criticized the Federal Government, accusing it of failing to adequately consult regional stakeholders. Critics argue that such decisions could deepen divisions at a time when national unity is crucial.
The law’s passage comes on the heels of last week’s approval of legislation establishing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. While both measures are seen as essential steps toward electoral reform, they have accentuated the persistent tension between Somalia’s Federal Government and its regional administrations.