Monday August 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Acting Speaker of the House of the People Sadia Yasin Haji Samatar on Sunday appointed a nine-member committee to organize the election of a new Speaker, formally launching the process to fill one of Somalia's highest constitutional offices.
In a letter issued by her office, Sadia said the committee was established in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the House of the People, which govern the election of parliamentary leaders.
The acting speaker instructed the committee to begin its work immediately and carry out its responsibilities in line with the House's internal regulations.
The appointment marks the latest step in preparations for the election of a new Speaker following the resignation of Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, Aden Madobe, who stepped down after being elected president of Southwest State.
Several senior politicians have already declared or are widely expected to contest the post. Among the leading contenders are Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and former State Minister for Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation Saadaq Aliyow, who resigned from the federal government on Saturday to enter the race.
The election is expected to attract significant political attention, with the new Speaker set to play a pivotal role in guiding Parliament as it considers key legislation on constitutional reform, elections, security and governance.
The Speaker of the House of the People is one of Somalia's top constitutional leaders and is responsible for presiding over parliamentary sessions, overseeing legislative business and representing the lower chamber in its relations with other branches of government.
The two candidates seeking the speakership have previously been associated with political efforts that challenged the administration of former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), reflecting the broader political realignments that continue to shape Somalia's federal politics.
