Somalia Parliament Prepares For Speaker Election amid Political Transition

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s lower house of parliament has inspected preparations for an election to choose a new speaker, with officials reviewing voting procedures and security arrangements ahead of Tuesday’s ballot.

Acting Speaker Sadia Yasin Haji Samatar, accompanied by First Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, members of the committee overseeing the election and parliament’s secretary-general, toured the venue in Mogadishu where lawmakers will vote.

Officials reviewed the voting system, arrangements for the election committee and equipment prepared for members of parliament, according to a statement from the House of Representatives.

Samatar said the election should be conducted transparently, fairly and peacefully and in line with parliamentary rules and procedures.

The inspection was intended to ensure that the venue and technical arrangements are ready for the vote and that lawmakers can take part in an orderly process, the statement said.

The speaker’s election comes as Somalia navigates a politically sensitive period, with federal institutions continuing discussions over the country’s electoral process and the balance of power between the federal government and political stakeholders.

The speaker of the lower house plays a central role in managing parliamentary proceedings, overseeing debates and helping steer legislation through the chamber.

Parliament officials said the necessary preparations and equipment were in place for Tuesday’s election.

The vote is expected to take place in Mogadishu on Tuesday, with lawmakers choosing the next speaker of the House of Representatives.