Somalia’s parliamentary committees from both the Upper and Lower Houses have approved the legal framework that will guide the upcoming electoral process in the country. In a joint session held in Mogadishu, the committees endorsed the procedures and regulations that electoral bodies will follow to conduct free and fair elections.
The joint parliamentary committee session was chaired by MP Mahdi Mohamed Guleid, who presented the draft electoral law for discussion and approval. Key elements of the framework include the formation of an independent electoral commission, voter registration guidelines, campaign regulations, and measures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking after the approval, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre commended the parliament for taking this crucial step towards democratic elections. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting a credible and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of the Somali people.
The approval of the legal framework comes after months of consultations and negotiations between various political stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society organizations. Concerns over potential irregularities and the need for impartial electoral management bodies had delayed the process.
With the legal framework now in place, attention will shift towards the implementation phase, which includes the establishment of the electoral commission, voter education campaigns, and logistical preparations for polling day.
The international community has welcomed the development, with the United Nations and other partners pledging their support for Somalia’s democratic transition. Successful elections are seen as a critical step towards stability and economic development in the Horn of Africa nation.
