MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Today, the Members of the Two Houses of the Somali Federal Parliament passed a controversial bill allowing the change of four chapters of the country’s Provisional Constitution.
The bill which was tabled to the parliament days ago was approved by the Parliament.
Major roads in the capital were blocked ahead of the parliamentary session which lasted just before mid-day.
– 212 out of 275 MPs of the Lower House attended the session to change the Constitution. Speaker of the Lower House Aadan Madobe says 212 voted ‘yes’.
– 42 out of 56 Senators of the Upper House attended and Speaker says all voted ‘yes’.
But there are strong claims and videos that even those who did not raise hand were counted to duplicate the number of voting.
It’s noteworthy that despite the attendance of the Speaker and two deputies from the Lower House, the Upper House saw participation only from its deputies during Saturday’s session. Surprisingly, the absence of Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, a notable pro-unionist figure, from the session adds an intriguing dynamic to the proceedings.
Meanwhile members of the opposition including former presidents and prime ministers have strongly rejected and warned that they will not accept president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to get away with his personal desire.
Puntland, a key federal member state, has also announced that it will not recognize the new constitution raising questions on its validity and legality.