MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Members of the Lower House of the Somali federal parliament have stalled a motion seeking an extension of the government’s term under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the regional administrations.
The motion which was dubbed as “the proposed changes to the constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia” have sparked widespread discussions within the Somali community over the past few hours.
Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, the second deputy speaker of the People’s House [Lower House] who presided over the session, stated that the motion was a new one which seeks to legitimize the proposed amendment of the constitution.
Abshirow stated, “This motion is untimely. It should have been introduced in the previous session, but it was not raised at that time. I hope that the MPs will be satisfied with this decision. We will not make a ruling on the motion today; it will be thoroughly discussed.”
The motion, supported by government-aligned members of parliament, calls for the elimination of the position of prime minister and its replacement with a vice president. Additionally, it proposes extending the terms of federal member state leaders by one year in preparation for direct elections. These actions were part of the resolutions passed by the National Consultative Council (NCC) last week, which were boycotted by Puntland.
MP Hassan Abdi Ismail criticized the plan to amend the constitution, deeming it illegal. He warned that if it leads to an extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term, it would provoke resistance against his regime.
“This motion to amend the constitution is illegal and unconstitutional. It is clear that it paves the way for an unlawful term extension. I have been against any extension and I continue to reject any attempts to deviate from the proper processes. It must adhere to the correct procedures,” expressed MP Hassan Abdi Ismail.
MP Abduqadir Osoble Ali asserted that the motion is a preliminary step aimed at weakening the parliament and enticing them that the parliament itself is seeking the term extension.
In response, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur cautioned that the country would face significant peril if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the regional administrations were granted a five-year extension.
Puntland, a crucial member in Somalia’s fragile federal system, has already rejected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s attempt to amend the constitution and extend his term of four years to five years.