Senate Heads for Recess After Marathon Joint Sittings to Pass Election Laws

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Senate has concluded business for the 5th session following a marathon joint sitting with the Lower House to pass a raft of election-related legislation.

Senate speaker Abdi Hashi announced the end of the 5th session Sunday, noting the senator will now proceed on recess until February 5, 2025.

He noted that the session was extended by one month at the request of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in October to allow the two chambers to debate and pass election laws.

The two chambers broke tradition and held joint sittings as they debated the Elections Bills, the Independent National Elections Commission Bill and the Political Parties Bill. The three bills have since been approved and assented to by the president.

Political analysts, however, raised concerns on the quality of the bills, noting legislative procedures and standing orders arrogate responsibility and powers to each chamber to individually interrogate bills and subject them to a vote.