The new law formally recognises the members of the national elections commission, completing its legal foundation.
Somalia has enacted Law No. 5, authorising the members of the Independent National Elections Commission. The law formally recognises the commission's members and confirms their legal authority to serve.
The Act was enacted to complete the legal foundation laid by the earlier law establishing the commission. Its purpose is to give the commission the standing it needs to carry out its duties and prepare for future elections.
Law No. 5, the Law on the Authorization of Members of the Independent National Elections Commission was enacted and entered into force on August 2, 2015 upon the President's signature.
Creating an institution is only the first step; it must also be properly staffed and recognised in law. This law completed that process for Somalia's elections commission, building on the framework set out in the earlier Law No. 4 of April 2, 2015.
Article 1 provides that, upon the President's signature, the law officially approves the appointment and legal authorisation of the commission's members, giving the commission the legal standing to carry out its work.
Article 2 provides that the law takes effect on signature and must be published in the Official Gazette, ensuring transparency and public awareness.
The law follows an inclusive parliamentary process. The members it recognises had been approved by the House of the People, reflecting a collaborative effort to establish a credible electoral body.
By formally authorising the commission's members, the law removed any doubt about their authority to act, allowing the commission to begin preparations for managing national elections within the broader constitutional framework.
This law is important because it gives the Independent National Elections Commission a complete legal foundation. By formally recognising its members, the law removes uncertainty and allows the commission to function with full authority.
“An electoral institution can only act with confidence once its members are clearly recognised in law. This Act completes that recognition for Somalia's elections commission and allows it to move forward with its work.”
, Aweis Osman Ahmed, M.Sc. (Master of Science in Information Systems), LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws)
Managing Partner at Mogadishu Law Office
This release is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before acting on any matter discussed here.