Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
The new lawakers of Puntland, a regional administration in northeastern Somalia, was sworn in on Wednesday after clan elders submitted their 66 representatives, a move subsequently approved by the region's titled traditional elders.
The swearing in ceremony was attended by several presidential contenders, including the incumbent President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and former Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas.
Religious leaders and traditional elders who vetted and confirmed new members of parliament have commended the event, dubbing it a success, especially at a time when many feared that the exercise of selecting new lawmakers will be chaotic and may lead to conflicts in Puntland that had escaped much of the disorder plaguing the southern regions of Somalia.
"The vetting was really a hard task but finally successful, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who made it easier for us" said Ahmed Ali Osman, chairman of vetting and conflict resolution committee.
The new house has immediately elected Ali Ahmed Osman as its interim speaker.
Puntland's former President Gen. Ade Musse Hirsi, who attended the ceremony, has urged the new legeslature to be an independent institution that checks the government's work.
Lawmakers are expected to elect Puntland's new president on January 8, 2014, either re-electing the incumbent, President Farole, or bring in a new face.
Hiiraan Online English News Desk