Mogadishu (Commentary) — The leadership of the Lower House (the Somalia Federal Parliament) today issued a statement on the disputed Gedo parliamentary seats. Its ruling aims to end the outcomes of parallel elections held in El Waq and Garbaharey. The Parliamentary Speaker Adan Mohamed Nur and his deputies have certified MPs elected at El Waq. They based their ruling on an earlier certification provided by a wing of Federal Electoral Implementation Team in the presence of Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, and the congratulatory message from Mohamed Hussein Roble, the Prime Minister of Somalia to MPs elected at El Waq.
The Parliamentary Leadership made no reference to 17 September 2020 electoral model, nor did the new parliament nullify the electoral model. Does the Leadership of the Parliament have the authority to rule on a disputed election without putting the matter to a vote by MPs?
Under the 17 September Electoral Model, Garbaharey had been designated as an election venue. There was no a valid reason to change the election venue to create the controversial outcome. The unilateral decision of the parliamentary leadership usurps the voting rights of MPs whom Speaker of the Somalia Federal Parliament Adam Mohamed Nur assumes to be in agreement with him and his deputies.
The leadership of the Federal Parliament can only make a ruling on a controversial issue when MPs have discussed and voted on it. Only a court of law can make a ruling on electoral disagreements that have implications for law-making.
If MPs turn a blind eye to the unilateral ruling anonymously publicised by the Speaker and his deputies, it will be fair to conclude that their role will be to rubber-stamp decisions and enact laws in the interest of politicians. Much is at stake with the new parliament whose disappointing start portends lesser legitimacy for the bicameral legislature.
A partisan legislature cannot and will not command citizens’ respect. Let us hope Somali MPs will stand up to the politically domineering attitude of the Speaker.
Adan M. Dawad
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