Sunday 17,Nov ,2024 {HMC} Jubbaland’s regional administration and its representatives in Somalia’s federal Parliament have rejected a newly approved law establishing the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging constitutional violations and exclusion from the decision-making process.
In a statement issued Saturday, Jubbaland leaders called Saturday’s parliamentary vote “illegal,” emphasizing that lawmakers from Jubbaland and Puntland were absent during the session.
“This step by the Parliament undermines dialogue, mutual respect, and constitutional governance, deepening political uncertainty. These illegal steps reflect a lack of readiness for compromise, further eroding trust and constitutional governance,” the statement from Jubbaland Interior Ministry read.
Despite Jubbaland’s official rejection, journalists reported that some lawmakers from the Jubbaland and Puntland, opposing Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe, attended the session.
Somalia’s bicameral Parliament approved the law in a unanimous vote, with 173 members endorsing it during a joint session in Mogadishu.
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo condemned the approval as unconstitutional, warning it could escalate political divisions.
“The fusion of the executive and legislative branches have polarized the Somali people further,” Farmaajo said, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of prioritizing personal interests over national unity.
The law is a critical step toward implementing Somalia’s goal of one-person, one-vote elections. However, it has exposed fault lines between the federal government and regional states like Jubbaland and Puntland, which demand greater consultation on national reforms.
Tensions escalated after Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe walked out of a recent National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu, calling for greater inclusion of Puntland and SSC-Khatumo in discussions.
Source Hiiraan Online
