Somaliland President Sends Approved Electoral Laws Back to House of Elders

President Muse Bihi of Somaliland has opted to return the recently approved electoral laws to the House of Elders in response to a request letter from the Speaker of the House of Elders.

According to a letter from the office of the President, The President’s decision aligns with the Speaker’s observation that the approved electoral law did not undergo all requisite legal procedures, emphasizing that the House of Representatives should have formally submitted the legislation to the House of Elders.

This move follows recent divergent opinions within the House of Elders regarding the approved electoral laws. Certain members advocated for the law’s return to the House of Elders, prompted by dissatisfaction with amendments made by the House of Representatives, which subsequently forwarded the legislation to the President for final endorsement.

On the other hand, another faction asserted that the House of Elders had fulfilled its responsibility by approving the long-awaited electoral law. They emphasized opposition to its return, citing concerns about potential political turmoil and instability.