Somalia's Supreme Court has issued a directive that the country's political leaders must work out an electoral plan within 30 days and conduct elections within 90 days. This decision was made after a lawsuit was filed by opposition leaders, led by former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, to stop constitutional amendments that President Mohamud had relied on to extend his and parliament's term by a year.
The Supreme Court's decision, endorsed by five of the nine judges, overruled a presidential term extension announced earlier. The court's directive came a day after President Mohamud dismissed Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed amid disputes over his independence. The judges also rejected the decision to fire their Chief Justice, which was announced on the Presidency's social media accounts.
The constitutional amendments, made in March, had extended the tenure of elected officials from four to five years. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the term extensions for parliament in April and the presidency in May were illegal. The five judges did not invalidate the amendments but rather the implementation of the term extensions.
The presidency will now operate as a caretaker administration pending an electoral agreement and subsequent elections. The court's decision has created uncertainty regarding President Mohamud's tenure. The opposition has called for the old constitution to be reinstated, rejecting any term extensions.
The Presidency insists that elections must be held next year under universal suffrage rather than the clan collegiate system. Last month, the electoral commission issued a calendar of events indicating that elections should be held by May next year. However, opposition groups rejected this.
The Supreme Court's decision could provide opposition groups with more ammunition to target the President. However, it could also escalate tensions between the two sides, who disagree on the electoral model. Chief Justice Ahmed's whereabouts were unknown when the decision was delivered.
The court's decision has significant implications for Somalia's electoral process. The country has been embroiled in disputes over an electoral calendar or model of elections. The opposition's rejection of the term extensions and the Presidency's insistence on universal suffrage have deepened the political divisions.
Key points
- The Supreme Court's decision overruled a presidential term extension and directed the country's political leaders to work out an electoral plan within 30 days.
- The court's directive came a day after President Mohamud dismissed Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed amid disputes over his independence.
- The presidency will now operate as a caretaker administration pending an electoral agreement and subsequent elections.
