Somalia Parliament Speaker Calls for Stronger Institutions and Accountability at IPU

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ARUSHA, Tanzania: Somalia’s parliamentary speaker has called for stronger institutions, political dialogue and public participation as the country works to develop a more accountable and inclusive system of governance.

Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur Jama made the remarks Tuesday while addressing the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, where lawmakers from around the world are meeting to discuss governance, parliamentary cooperation and public participation.

Jama said Somalia’s vision was to build a parliament that is independent, transparent and inclusive, with a stronger role in state-building, democratic development and holding government institutions accountable.

He said Somalia was making progress toward a system of direct elections, pointing to local elections held in Mogadishu and in the federal member states of South West, Hirshabelle and Galmudug. He said the electoral process was continuing in other parts of the country.

The speaker also stressed the importance of strengthening state institutions and political dialogue while expanding public participation in governance.

He said Somalia was committed to ensuring that parliament protects the interests of citizens, strengthens public confidence in national institutions and provides effective oversight of government.

The comments come as Somalia continues efforts to develop its federal political and electoral institutions after years in which national leadership was selected through indirect voting processes.

The five-day IPU assembly in Arusha is focused on good governance, parliamentary cooperation and empowering communities through inclusive participation, trust and equal opportunities.

Jama thanked Tanzania for hosting the assembly and welcoming parliamentary delegations from across the world.