Somalia: Puntland MPs refuse to expand state Parliament

GAROWE, Puntland- The state parliamentarians of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, was reported have signed a letter against plans to expand the state Parliament and described it as “unlawful”, Garowe Online reports.

Early this month, Puntland President requested from Parliament leadership to open parliamentary session to deliberate about expanding Parliament seats. However, according to parliamentary sources, 59 MPs have jointly signed the letter opposing President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” request to give additional seats to allied clans in the state chamber.

The letter was handed over to the Parliament leadership to demonstrate the position of majority of the state’s 66-seats-chamber towards the controversial plan.

Sources tell GO that Parliament leadership sent a document to President Ali indicating that expansion of the state parliament is illegal without adhering to the constitutional proces .

In the letter, it was noted that no change can be made to the state’s 66-seats-chamber with making an official regional census, according to Article 60 of the state constitution.

President Ali’s controversial move was reported had stirred up fierce debate and anger among public in the region, and accused him of shifting public focus from government’s failing policies amid drought crisis and frequent overseas trips that caused burden on the state budget. 

GAROWEONLINE