Somalia’s parliament has approved constitutional amendments that could extend the term of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The move may delay the country’s planned elections and allow the president and other officials to remain in office for a longer period.
The amendments were approved after a vote in the national parliament, where a majority of lawmakers supported the proposal. Reports indicate that more than 180 members of parliament and 37 senators voted in favor of the changes during a joint parliamentary session.
Under the new arrangement, national elections could be postponed for about a year, meaning the current administration may remain in power until a new election is organized.
However, opposition figures and some political analysts have criticized the decision, arguing that the constitutional changes are not yet fully clear and could create further political tensions in the country.
Somalia has struggled with political instability and conflict for decades, particularly since the collapse of the government of former president Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The country is still working to build stable political institutions while dealing with security challenges, including attacks by the armed group Al-Shabaab.