Somalia: Puntland voices opposition to Nat’l commissions endorsement

GAROWE, Somalia, May 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland government in northern Somalia has voiced opposition to the endorsement of 9-member national-level commissions by federal cabinet a few days after renewed framework for action signified glimmers of hope, Garowe Online reports.

Addressing reporters at Galkayo airport shortly after his return from the inauguration of Jubaland’s first-ever regional assembly, Puntland Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey said the decision to approve the commissions runs counter to the second clause of Article 111 of the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) which states that federal members states be consulted on the appointment of members in the independent commissions.

Moreover, Amey called on other federal states to opt for similar reaction, and rebuff the endorsement of independent commissions on Election, Boundary and Judiciary.

On May 6, Constitutional Review Commission Chairwoman Asho Gelle Dirie quit over meddling.

Mogadishu-based Federal Government and Federal Member States agreed to steer together core activities of vision 2016 and reaffirmed renewed commitment at Garowe Conference on May 2 as the country’s timetable towards election faces watershed moments.

On Thursday, a weekly cabinet meet presided over by Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke paved the way to the approval of Independent National Electoral Board, Judicial Service Commission and Boundary and Federalization committee. 

GAROWE ONLINE