Wednesday October 22, 2014
The Somali federal parliament on Monday (October 20th) discussed preparations for general elections in 2016 and the formation political parties, government-run Radio Mogadishu reported.Somalia plans to transition from a clan-based political system towards multi-party democratic elections in 2016. At present the country has no legally recognised political parties.
During the opening of the parliament's fifth session, attended by 168 lawmakers, three new lawmakers were sworn in.
Mohamud Duale Muse replaces slain Somali lawmaker and singer Saado Ali Warsame, who was assassinated in Mogadishu in July. Yusuf Mohamed Ali took the place of Ali Khalif Galeyr, who was elected as president of Khatumo State in August.
Said Mohamed Mohamud Heyd has replaced his father, Mohamed Mohamud Heyd, a former minister and a senior army commander who was killed by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu's Hamar Weyne district on July 3rd.
Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari said finalising the Somali constitution will be at the top of parliament's agenda during the current session and urged lawmakers to be present to do the work necessary.
He warned that lawmakers who fail to attend parliamentary sessions will face disciplinary action and be fined $600.
Commenting on the work the parliamentary committee on political parties is carrying out Jawari said, "What is needed are political parties that are active during elections and beyond, parties that are alive and have a hand in the management and steering of the nation."
As lawmakers continue to draft the law that will provide the guidelines and structure for the parties to function at a national level, they should consider the work done by regional governments in Somalia, he said.
"The examples we should use should come first from those close to us such as Puntland and the northern regions as well as countries that have challenges like ours," Jawari said.