The Somali Lower House leadership has taken a significant step to enforce attendance among its members by deducting the salaries of an unspecified number of lawmakers who were absent from recent parliamentary sessions without permission. This move was announced by House of the People Speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur during a session on Saturday, October 11, 2026. According to the speaker, the decision was made following procedures outlined in the Parliament's internal regulations.
Speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur emphasized that lawmakers who object to the decision have 15 days to file an appeal and bring the matter before the House for legal review. He stressed that members of parliament are obligated to attend sessions and fulfill their assigned responsibilities. The speaker highlighted the importance of accountability, noting that it is unfair for some lawmakers to consistently attend to their duties while others remain absent without fulfilling their obligations.
The salary deductions were made after a verification process involving the committee responsible for parliamentary internal regulations and a review of attendance records. The speaker assured that special consideration would be given to lawmakers who had official leave or documented special circumstances. This indicates that the parliamentary leadership is taking a nuanced approach, acknowledging that some absences may be justified.
In a move to address potential errors, the speaker stated that the parliamentary leadership is prepared to correct any administrative mistakes, particularly if a lawmaker was mistakenly included among those facing salary deductions. This demonstrates a willingness to review and adjust the decision if necessary, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the implementation of the new attendance policy.
The decision to deduct salaries follows an earlier pledge by Speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur to take action against lawmakers who repeatedly miss parliamentary sessions. The speaker had vowed to address the issue of absenteeism, which has been a significant challenge for the Somali parliament. The implementation of this measure aims to improve attendance and ensure that lawmakers fulfill their duties.
The issue of absenteeism has had significant implications for the functioning of the parliament. Several parliamentary sessions have been cancelled in recent months due to a lack of quorum, highlighting the need for a more robust attendance policy. By taking this step, the Somali Lower House leadership aims to strengthen its operations and ensure that lawmakers are held accountable for their attendance.
The decision remains open to legal review, and lawmakers may use existing procedures to lodge complaints or challenge the measure. This openness to review and potential revision demonstrates a commitment to fairness and due process. As the Somali parliament continues to navigate its internal challenges, this move is seen as a step towards improving its effectiveness and accountability.
Key points
- The Somali Lower House has deducted salaries of absent lawmakers without permission.
- Lawmakers have 15 days to file an appeal and bring the matter before the House for legal review.
- The decision aims to address absenteeism and improve attendance among lawmakers.
