SRSG statement on the election of the Speaker of the new Somali Parliament

Hiiraan Online
Press release
Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga offers his warmest congratulations to the Somali people on the election of a new Speaker of Parliament. Professor Mohammed Sheikh Osman (Jawari) was today overwhelmingly selected to represent the New Federal Parliament. The election of Deputy Speakers will take place in the immediate future, laying the groundwork for the election of the President, which the SRSG calls on all parties to ensure takes place “within ten days.” Around 230 participated in today’s voting, which was held at the Police Training Academy in Mogadishu.

“This is a moment of progress and optimism”, said SRSG Mahiga. “Today the Somali legislators have taken an important step on the road to restoring accountable and participatory governance.” The New Federal Parliament was inaugurated on 20 August at a ceremony at the Mogadishu International Airport.

There are now some 260 MPs, out of the eventual total of 275, either sworn in or pending imminent ratification—another 15 names remain outstanding.
The SRSG also takes the opportunity to remind all parties that the Protocols, signed by all the Principals, must be respected and that an agreed mechanism to address the few, outstanding names of Parliamentary candidates should be established immediately.

“It is vital that a complete Parliament is seated as quickly as possible in order to ensure that the election of the President can be accomplished in accordance with the agreed timetable. The New Federal Parliament must be allowed to exercise its authority with independence, transparency and free from undue influence and coercion.”

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