MOGADISHU, Somalia – Following a historic vote on Saturday, members of the Somali Parliament’s two houses approved amending four chapters of the nation’s constitution.
There were 254 yes votes cast by the two chambers of Parliament present, while no lawmakers abstained or rejected, according to the vote result shown by the house.
The session was presided over by the Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe, who also praised the legislators for their unequivocal and unanimous pass after announcing the voting results.
Madobe stated that as Muslims throughout the world begin their final ten days of Ramadan fasting, lawmakers will be taking a recess starting today.
Somalia’s provisional constitution was approved in 2012. In January this year, the parliament resolved to initiate the process of constitutional amendments to ultimately produce a final document crucial for Somalia’s nation-building and political stability.
The constitution is the backbone of the state building and will support the peace and stability of this country. It promotes reconciliation and social cohesion, crucial for strengthening good governance and the successful Somali transition plan.
Some opposition figures, among them two former presidents and one PM opposed the amendment, arguing that it paves the way for the consolidation of power into the president’s hand.
