Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament approved the election law on Saturday during a joint session chaired by Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi and Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe.

The session, which convened with a quorum of 172 members, saw 169 voting in favor, two rejecting, and one abstaining, according to parliamentary officials. Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe closed the session by commending the MPs for their commitment to their legislative duties.

“This law will give a voice to the people of Somalia, to elect their representatives at District, State, and Federal levels. I thank you for returning the power of choice to the people,” said Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation.

With the approval of this law, Somalia’s parliament has now completed the passage of three critical election-related laws: the Law Establishing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Law of Political Parties, and the Law of Elections. These legislative milestones are key steps toward advancing Somalia’s goal of implementing a one-person, one-vote electoral system.

The approval comes amid opposition from Jubaland and Puntland States, which have expressed discontent with the federal government’s approach to constitutional reforms and election models.

Both states have boycotted the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) agreements and questioned the inclusivity of the federal government’s plans.

The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to pressing ahead with reforms, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that future elections reflect the will of all Somali citizens.