The constitutional revisions were approved during a combined parliamentary session led by Sheikh Aden Madoobe. The speaker reported that 223 legislators endorsed the modifications, comprising 186 representatives from the House of the People and 37 senators from the Upper House.
The vote, conducted by a show of hands, proceeded rapidly amid questions about attendance. Legislators noted that the constitutional changes were not officially presented to the assembly before the voting, prompting concerns among critics about the process’s transparency.
Doubts were also raised regarding the number of members present during the session. Most legislators from Puntland and Jubbaland regional states, along with opposition members, reportedly abstained from attending as a protest against the government’s constitutional reform proposals.
In a statement released following the vote, the Somali Future Councila coalition comprising opposition leaders and representatives from Puntland and Jubbalanddenounced the approval of the amendments, labeling the process unlawful. The organization claimed that numerous legislators representing federal member states were absent and asserted that some votes were submitted online, a method not previously employed in Somalia’s parliamentary practices.
The council further affirmed that it does not acknowledge the newly ratified changes and continues to back the provisional constitution established in 2012.
The controversy has sparked worries about possible political instability and repercussions for Somalia’s delicate federal system. Authorities in Puntland and Jubbaland have cautioned they might implement measures they termed as “tough decisions” in response to the action.
The effort to conclude constitutional modifications has received strong support from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His current term concludes on May 15, whereas the federal parliament’s mandate terminates next April.
Political analysts indicate that the timing of the modifications has heightened discussions, especially as Somalia has not yet established an agreed framework for forthcoming national elections. Critics worry the constitutional alterations might pave the way for extending the president’s term, a possibility the government has not officially acknowledged.
The ongoing conflict underscores significant rifts within Somalia’s political leadership as the nation strives to finalize its constitutional review process and organize future elections.