Somaliland House of Elders’ Speaker Acknowledges Commencement of Mediation Efforts to Address Electoral Laws Dispute

Today, Speaker Suleiman Mohamud Adam of the Somaliland House of Elders confirmed the initiation of mediation efforts led by some members of the house aimed at resolving the emerging tension surrounding electoral laws.

The Speaker expressed his acceptance of the proposed mediation efforts, emphasizing their intention to facilitate constructive dialogue between the two house speakers, with the goal of reaching a positive agreement on the electoral laws recently returned to the House of Elders by the President.

In response to this development, House of Representatives Speaker Yasin Faraton issued a statement a few days ago, urging the President not to exceed the legal timeline of 21 days for endorsing or rejecting the laws. Faraton emphasized that the President’s decision to return the approved electoral laws breached the constitution.

A letter from the office of the President explained that the decision aligns with the Speaker’s observation, asserting that the approved electoral law did not undergo all necessary legal procedures. The letter highlighted the importance of the House of Representatives formally submitting the legislation to the House of Elders.