Upper House Divided On Somali Presidential Term Extension

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Senator Abshir Ahmad, the Deputy Speaker of the Somali Upper House questioned the legality of a letter by the Speaker of the Upper House Senator Abdi Hashi on the extension of the Somali President’s term by two years.

In a situation now dragging the international community into domestic politics with the EU, UK and US all issuing statements in recent days, Somali politics is making headlines around the world – and not for the right reasons.

In the letter Hashi, who signed the letter with his title — Speaker of the Upper House — referred to the incumbent President Mohamad Abdullahi Mohamed as “the President whose term ended” and Mohamed Mursal, the Parliamentary Speaker as “the Speaker whose term ended”.

Abshir poured cold water on Hashi’s suggestion for intervention by the International Community.

“It’s incumbent upon the Prime Minister, as the only legal caretaker institution to take full charge & oversee a transition of power” tweeted Abshir.

President Mohamed welcomed the decision of the Parliament to end the ongoing political uncertainty in the country and to prepare Somalia for the proposed one person, one vote elections within two years.

This article first appeared in the © Puntland Post, 2021 and is republished with permission

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