Functions and Challenges of House of Representatives
1. Introduction
The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers in a bicameral legislature, commonly found in various countries. Somaliland has adopted a bicameral system consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Elders.
2. A Brief History of the House of Representatives
In 1991, Somaliland established its first House of Representatives, primarily composed of Somali National Movement (SNM) members. The inaugural chairman was Ibrahim Maygaag Samatar, who led the House from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1996, Ahmed Abdi Habsade served as the chairman, overseeing the second iteration of the House. Between 1997 and 2005, Ahmed Mohamed Qaybe chaired the House, marking the third assembly in Somaliland’s history.
3. First House of Representatives Election
On September 29, 2005, Somaliland held its first direct election for the House of Representatives. According to the constitution, 82 members were elected from six regions, with the following distribution: Maroodijeex (20), Togdheer (15), Awdal (13), Sanaag (12), Sool (12), and Sahil (10). Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro became the first chairman.
4. Powers and Duties of the House of Representatives
As outlined in Article 53 of the Constitution , the House of Representatives has several responsibilities and powers:
- All appointments of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, or Heads of state organs must be confirmed by the House.
- The House can debate, comment on, refer back with reasons, or approve the Government’s program.
- It has the authority to ratify international agreements (treaties) related to political, economic, and security matters, especially those that impose new financial burdens not covered in the budget or require legislative changes.
- The House is tasked with advising the Cabinet on the general political situation.
- The Cabinet must seek approval from both the House of Representatives and the House of Elders to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country.
- The House has the power to summon the Government or its agencies to question them about their responsibilities.
- Committees within the House can question Ministers and senior officials about their performance.
Articles 54 and 55 grants the House of Representatives the authority to impose taxes. It also mentions the creation of a Somaliland Income Fund or other designated funds for specific purposes, along with the House’s role in discussing, modifying, and approving the government budget.
5. Political Dynamics
The House has witnessed the participation of various political parties, with the two main ones being the Somaliland National Party (KULMIYE) and the WADDANI Party. Members of Parliament (MPs) primarily operate within these two parties, which have differing ideologies and platforms, with the majority often influencing debates.
The Somaliland Election Act has been a significant topic of debate and controversy, particularly regarding its provisions and implementation. Ongoing discussions among the House of Representatives, the House of Elders, and the executive branch have led to political tensions, complicating the electoral process. Ultimately, the Election Act 91/2023 was approved with amendments in several areas.
Waddani secured the majority with 31 seats, followed by Kulmiye with 30 seats, and Ucid with 21 seats.
6. Challenges Facing the House of Representatives
- Political Instability:
Tensions between the government and political parties can disrupt the House’s daily activities, resulting in a lack of legislative output.
- Limited Resources:
Insufficient financial support hinders outreach to various regions. The House of Representatives struggles to engage effectively with communities due to these financial constraints.
- Constitutional Challenges:
Disputes over constitutional interpretation during debates can complicate the House’s role and governance.
- Gender Representation:
With only one female member in a House of 82, gender representation remains a significant challenge, as do the needs of marginalized groups.
- External Influences:
External interests can sway members of the House, particularly during the approval of legislative acts. Politicians, businesses, and other agencies exert their influence, further complicating the legislative process.
References
Somaliland Constitution article 53, 54,55 and 60
House of Representatives Act 12/2014 Code of Conduct
ttps://cja.org/ related-resources/background-on-Somaliland
https://www.iri.org/somaliland international democratization support strategy
