Lawmakers in Somalia have approved a set of constitutional amendments that could significantly reshape the country’s political system and potentially extend the time the current president remains in office.
Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia voted in favour of the proposed changes after a heated debate in the capital, , with supporters arguing that the reforms are necessary to stabilise governance and modernise the country’s political framework.
Among the most controversial provisions is a proposal that alters the structure of presidential terms. Critics say the changes could allow the incumbent leader, , to remain in power longer than originally stipulated under the current constitutional arrangements.
Supporters of the amendments say the reforms are part of broader efforts to transition Somalia toward a more stable and direct electoral system, replacing the complex clan-based model that has dominated politics since the country began rebuilding state institutions.
Officials aligned with the government argue that extending or adjusting presidential terms could help ensure continuity while Somalia continues reforms in security, governance, and electoral management.
However, opposition politicians and some civil society groups have raised concerns that the changes could undermine democratic checks and balances. They warn that altering term limits or the timing of elections risks concentrating power in the executive branch.
Somalia has been working for years to complete a review of its provisional constitution, which was first adopted in 2012 following decades of conflict and political instability. The reform process has frequently been delayed due to political disagreements and security challenges linked to the militant group .
Analysts say the parliamentary approval marks a major step in Somalia’s constitutional review process, but the reforms could face further political scrutiny as they move through additional legislative and legal stages.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has not publicly framed the changes as an attempt to prolong his tenure, insisting instead that the reforms are designed to strengthen Somalia’s democratic institutions and create a clearer path toward universal elections.
The debate is expected to continue in the coming months as Somali political leaders negotiate how the amendments will be implemented and what they mean for the country’s next electoral cycle.
