Friday November 24, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Members of the Puntland regional state parliament have accused their Speaker, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, of undermining the independence of the parliament to enforce the political will of President Said Abdullahi Deni.
Speaking to the media in Garowe on Friday, the parliamentarians asserted that the Speaker has impeded peace efforts in Garowe city aimed at resolving the conflict resulting from the election dispute. They stressed that the election law will not be amended, accusing the Speaker of jeopardizing the stability and peace of Puntland.
Thursday's parliamentary session, expected to discuss the controversial Election Amendment Act, collapsed as members clashed over its implementation. The meeting, marred by heckling, underscored deep divisions in the chamber, prompting Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril to adjourn the session amid escalating tensions.
The primary point of contention was the proposed electoral reform law recently introduced by the Puntland Electoral Commission. The Special Committee of the Assembly, tasked with the Elections Act, identified inconsistencies within Articles 44, 56, and 81 of the Puntland State Constitution. Their analysis, incorporating perspectives from scholars, civil society, and women's groups, emphasized concerns over the region's security situation. The Speaker rejected the committee's proposal to postpone the law's passage, citing the importance of maintaining security stability.
However, the parliament's speaker appointed a new committee and stated that the session would resume on Sunday next week.