Formation of the Upper House draws mixed reactions from Somalis

Somalis have expressed mixed reactions regarding the establishment of the Upper House in the forthcoming general elections.

Participants in an interactive talk show in Goobjoog News sister station, Goobjoog FM raised varied opinions regarding the Upper House whose mandate will among others include the election and dismissal of the president and amending the constitution.

Abdullahi Hussein, MP said noted there was no serious consideration in forming the Upper House but was only motivated by political interest.

Suldan Abdiaziz Omar, an elder underlined the need to form  the house but insistedcandidates must meet set qualifications, integrity and nationalism. The elder said the vetting process of Upper House members should be treated at the most caution. “We need people with clean profiles and characters; people who can understand the responsibility that they are given” said Suldan Abdiaziz.

Another elder Mohammad Hassan Haad, said the country is not used to having the Upper House, and it could add to the fragile political situation in the country to more burdens. “We cannot compare our country to some country that used to have upper house for long time” said elder Hassan Haad.

Asli Ismail Du’alle, a member of Somali civil society shared Haad’s view adding the country cannot afford to pay for members of the house and forming this house would only increase the public wage bill. She says forming the upper house may contribute to further political headache in the country.

But Ismail Du’ale, a scholar noted the Upper House will be instrumental in addressing constitutional challenges in the country leading to political stability. He proposed that the membership to the Senate should largely be drawn from the elders.

Malaq Shine one of the elders who participated the vetting process of the incumbent Somali parliament advices against forming this house, saying the country has nothing to do with this house at least for the current time. Malaq says its waste of time and money warning of political turmoil in the country if the senate is established.

Suban Mohmad Dirir, a women activist, said the House is important since it represents all the regions and states in the country. Mature and senior members of this country in the senate could enhance stability and peace, said Dirir.