Happening Now:-The deputy is explaining the rules to the MPs

Jawari is now speaking in a commanding voice, "Fadlan fariista" he says.

Shirka is now open, says the speaker of parliament.

I have yet to spot Sharif and Abdiweli....

The Speaker of parliament just took his seat. Any minute now...

The feed is up, better than universal TV. The camera is positioned right... Watch it live now http://www.ustream.tv/channel/presidentialelectionhttp://www.ustream.tv/channel/presidentialelection

Toos u dhageyso Doorashada:- Listen here:- http://www.bar-kulan.com/

Toos u daawo: some of the MPs are taking their oath now Watch it here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/presidentialelection

The List of MPs is almost complete. Here is a tentative list of Members of Parliament. 255 and counting.....this also backs up today's roll call (3 votes short) that made Mohammed Osman Aden speaker. .5 Group 1. Bashiir Maxamed Jaamac 2. Biibi Khaliif Maxamed 3. Burci Maxamed Xamza 4. C/llahi Colaad Rooble 5. C/raxmaan Cabdi Cusmaan 6. C/weli Ibrahin Sheekh Muudey 7. Caadil Sheegow Sagaar 8. Cabdinaasir M. Cali 9. Dr Aadan Xaaji Ibraahim Dauud 10. Faarax Sheekh C/qaadir maxamed 11. Fahmo Axmed Nuur 12. Ibraahiim Saalax Dayfullah 13. Jeylaani Nur Ikar Sh. Suufi 14. Khadiija Maxamed Diiriye 15. Maryan Aweys Jama 16. Maxamed Axmed Keynan 17. Maxamed Cumar Caymow 18. Maxamed Cumar Dhalxa 19. Maxamed Cumar Maxamud 20. Maxamed Maxamuud Xeyd 21. Maxamuud Maxamed Jimcaale 22. Mohamed Warsame Mohamed 23. Mustafa Maxamed Cabdullahi 24. Saaqa Aden Mohamed 25. Shariif Maxamed Siidi 26. Shariif Maxamed Xasan 27. Tahliil Abdi Mohamed 28. Xasan Ibraahim maxamed 29. Xuseen Maxamed Muuse 30. Yuusuf Maxamed Ismaaciil 31. Yuusuf Xeyle Jimcaale List is complete D&MGroup 1. Aadan Ibrahim Dhaayow 2. Aadan Sheekh Maxamed 3. Abukar Cabdi Cusman 4. Aweys C/lahi Ibrahiim 5. Axmed Mayow Cabdulle 6. C/laahi Cabdi Garuun 7. C/llahi Xaaji Xasan 8. Cabdi Macalin Aden 9. CabdiKaafi Macalin Xasan 10. Cali Aadan Xuseen 11. Cali Sheekh Maxamed Nuur 12. Cusman Libax Ibrahim 13. Cusman Mukhtar Maxamed 14. Dr. Ibrahiim Xuseen Cali Saalax 15. Dr. Muumino Sh. Cumar 16. Dr.Khaalid Cumar Cali 17. Eng Maxamud Maxamed Bonow 18. Fadumo Nuur Maxamed 19. Fowziya Maxamed Sheekh 20. Ibrahim Cali Cumar 21. Ibrahim Isaakh Yarow 22. ***** Maxamed Cali(Riino) 23. ***** Maxamed Maxamuud 24. Isgow Derow **** 25. Khaliif Sh. C/laahi 26. Luul Cabdi Aadan 27. Macalin Cali Aadan 28. Maryan Macalin ***** 29. Maxamed Cabdi Cali 30. Maxamed Cali Xuseen 31. Maxamed Cusman Jawaari 32. Maxamed ***** Cusmaan (Fanax) 33. Maxamed Kheyrow Maxamed Yusuuf 34. Maxamed Mursal Borow 35. Maxamed Rashiid Maxamed 36. Maxamed Sheekh Xasan 37. Maxamud Macalin Yaxye 38. Maxamuud Cabdi Xuseen 39. Mayow Mustaf Xasan 40. Mohamed Nuuraani Bakar 41. Muna Ibrahim Abiikar 42. Mustaf Mukhtar Gudow 43. Nuur Cali Aadan 44. Saalim Aliyow Ibrow 45. Samaan Maxamed Sheekh 46. Sayid Cali Cabdulkadir Macalin 47. Sh.Shaacir Sh.Maxamed 48. Sharif Maxamed Cabdalle 49. Sharif Xasan Sh Aden 50. Xabiibo Maxamed Kheyr 51. Xasan Cusman Xuseen 52. Xasan Macalin Xuseen 53. Xuseen Cismaan Xuseen 54. Xuseen Maxamud Sh Xuseen 55. Yacquub Cali Maxamed Lix xildhibaan ayaa ka maqan D&M Group D Group (S&G Sub-Clans) 1. Aamino Cumar Jaamac 2. Abdulaahi Hussein Ali 3. Abdulaahi Cisman Ducaale 4. Abdulahi abyan nuur 5. Abdulahi Cumar Abshir Cumar 6. Ahmed Dhimbil Roble 7. Axmed Aadan Axmed 8. Axmed Aadan C/raxman 9. Axmed Xuseen Xasan 10. Busharo Cabdi Diriye 11. C/lle Xaaji Cali Axmed 12. C/naasir Gaarane mohamed 13. C/qaadir Sh. Cali Ibrahim 14. C/qafaar Mohamed Oomar 15. C/raxman Maxamud Caateye 16. C/risaaq Daahir Maxamud 17. C/xakiim Cige Guuled 18. Caashakoos Maxamuud Cumar 19. Cabdalle Boss Axmed 20. Cabdi Xaashi C/llahi 21. Cabdirahman Ahmed Suge 22. Cabdullahi Qayad Barre 23. Cadar Abdi warsame ***** 24. Caddo Maax Faarax 25. Cali Xasan Guyow 26. Cisman Cilmi Boqare 27. Dr Siciid Mohamed Ali 28. Dr. Ibrahim Suleyman Xaaji Nuur 29. Duniya Maxamed Cali 30. Faaduma Xasan Cali 31. Faduma Odowa Rageh 32. Faysal Cumar Guuleed 33. Gen Siciid Xasan Geedi 34. Ismaciil Xassan Jaamac 35. Jaamac Axmed Maxamed Muse 36. Jaamac Axmed Maxamud 37. Jamaal Xasan Ismaaciil 38. Khadar Biixi Caalin 39. Khadra Ahmed Ibrahim 40. Mahad Cabdalle Cawad 41. Mahad Mohamed Ducaale 42. Maxamed Axmed Gurxan 43. Maxamed C/laahi Kaamil 44. Maxamed Cabdi Xayir 45. Maxamed Cali Xagaa 46. Maxamed Ismaciil Barkhadle 47. Maxamed Xasan Aadan 48. Prof Ahmed Ismail Samatar 49. Ridwan Hirsi Mohamed 50. Sahro C/qadir C/raxman 51. Saynab Maxamed Caamir 52. Xiis Hassan Aadan 53. Xiis Muuse Cawl Cali 54. Xuseen Arab Esse Xayd 55. Xuseen Cabdisalaan 56. Yusuf Dirir Abdi 57. Zakariye Xuseen Aare Afar Xildhibaan ayaa ka maqan D Group D Group (M&M Sub-Clan) 1. A/weli Maxamed Cali Gaas 2. Aadan Sidiiq Maxamed 3. Abdi Barre Yusuf Jibril 4. Abdi Mohamed Ali 5. Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig 6. Abdirisak Osman Hassan 7. Abdiwahab Ugas Husen Ugas Khalif 8. Abdulahi Bile Nor 9. Abdulahi Haji Dayib 10. Abdulaziz Abdulahi Mohamed 11. Ahmed Ismail Mohamed 12. Ali Ahmed Mohamed 13. Asad Maxamed Yuusuf 14. Axmed Aabi Aadan 15. Axmed Cusman Ibrahim 16. Bare Ugas Geedi 17. C/fataax Nuur Mataan Cabdi 18. C/laahi Maxamed Ciise 19. C/llahi Maxamed Xirsi 20. C/llahi Xasan Rooble 21. C/llahi Yusuf Xasan 22. C/llahi Yuusuf Cali 23. C/nasir Maxamed Cabdulle 24. C/qadir Aden Nuur 25. C/rashiid Xaaji Deerow 26. C/raxman Xoosh Jibriil 27. C/waxid Cabdullahi Jama 28. Cabdi Cabdulaahi Maxamed 29. Dahir Haji Gelle Farah 30. Da’ud Abdikarim Sh. Omar 31. Dr. Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi 32. Dr. Cabdi Cali Xasan 33. Dr. Cali Khaliif Galayr 34. Hamza Sh. Husen 35. Hassan Abshir Farah 36. Isse Mohamed Ahmed 37. Mahdi Ali Osman 38. Maxamed Axmed Maxamud 39. Maxamed C/lahi Xasan 40. Maxamed Iidle Geedi 41. Maxamud Cali Magan 42. Mohamed Abdi Yusuf 43. Mohamed Ahmed Kulan 44. Mohamed Ismail Shuriye 45. Mohamed Sh. Aden Hirale 46. Mohamud Hayir Ibrahim 47. Muse Ahmed Ismail 48. Muse Hassan Abdulle 49. Muse Sheekh Cumar Jiis 50. Nuur Faarax Jaamac 51. Prof. Mohamed Abdi Mohamed 52. Saado Cali Warsame 53. Saalax Axmed Xuseen 54. Sacdiya Careys Ciise 55. Saciid Abdulahi Mohamed 56. Sadiiq Abdikariim Maxamed 57. Sahra Jama Ali 58. Siyaad Maxauud Shire 59. Xuseen Khalif Jama Laba xildhibaan ayaa ka dhiman D Group H-Group 1. A/qadir Cosoble Ali 2. A/raxman Ibrahim Ali 3. Abdirahman Kulmiye Hirsi 4. Abdisamad Maxamud Xasan 5. Abdulkadir Mohamed Aden 6. Abdullahi Jama Hussein 7. Amina Mohamed Abdi 8. Axmed Geedi Jimcaale 9. Bashiir Addow Alassow 10. C/laahi Goodax Barre 11. C/laahi Maxamed Adan 12. C/llahi Ali Axmed 13. C/qadir Cali Cumar 14. C/qadir Macalin Nuur Maxamed 15. C/qadir Sheekh Xanafi 16. Caasha Xaaji Cilmi 17. Cabdi Axmed Dhuxulow 18. Cabdisataar Sh. C/salaam Sh Xasan Barsame 19. Cali Nuur Xuseen Cali 20. Cali Yuusuf Cusman 21. Ciise Wehelie Maalin 22. Cismaan Maxamed Cabdi 23. Cumar Cali Nuur Cumar 24. Cumar Islow Maxamed Abukar 25. Cusman Xaaji Cali 26. Daahir Aamin Jeesow 27. Daahir Xasan Cabdi 28. Dr Khaliif Maxamed Xaaji Xasan 29. Hassan Macalin Maxamud 30. Jawahir Axmed Cilmi 31. Mahad Maxamed Salaad 32. Maryan Cariif Qaasim 33. Maxamed Abukar Islow 34. Maxamed C/laahi Xasan 35. Maxamed Cabdalle Faarax 36. Maxamed Hasan Ibrahim 37. Maxamed Maxamud Guure 38. Maxamed Maxamud Ibrahim 39. Mohamed Ahmed Nur 40. Mustafa Sh. Cali Dhuxulow 41. Naciimo Maxamed Gacal 42. Nadifo Maxamed Osman 43. Nuur Iidow Beyle 44. Nuur Maxamed Xuseen 45. Qaali Axmed Diiriye 46. Sacdiyo Cumar Sheegow 47. Samira Xasan Cabdulle 48. Shuriye Mumin Afrax 49. Ubax Tahliil Warsame 50. Xalimo Xasan Cumar 51. Xasan Macalin Maxamed 52. Xasan Shiikh Maxamud Calasow 53. Yuusuf Geele Ugaas Sideed xildhibaan ayaa ka maqan H Group So far we know 250+MPS were present for the role call. We know atleast 252 casted their vote for the speaker of parliament. At this time, no one can verify the accuracy of this list and its subject to change.

^highly? please dont make me laugh. Mida kalee, I'm not going to argue with a script who knows nothing about the subject. I'm sorry but go find something useful to do.

Professore xaal qaado. If every Macalin dugsi is a professor, my beloved Sharif Sheikh Ahmed deserves the same title. I'm tired of reading Somali blogs falsifying the bio's of these men. For example, Mohammed Osman Aden aka the new speaker of parliament was a Macalin dugsi in Norway and a community organizer, so when and who falsified his records after the 1980s is news to me. There is nothing to be ashamed off. He was a Somali educated and he should be proud. Since his Siad Barre days, the man has been out of commission. Qurbo joognimo will do that to you. But he does have experience, however rusty it maybe and he has a leg up from his predecessor who couldn't read, lol. Either way, today is a win for Somalia. We have a parliament that is Sharif Sakiin free. Mida kale, the new speaker has a Canadian connection. His former family(bahda koowaad) are Ontario residents. Not every Somali Blog has the good sense to do a fact check, which is why this is now recycled and posted on this good site.

^who cares? Did we forget that she is an artist. She is irrelevant.

Libaax-Sankataabte;861774 wrote: Congrats to Prof. Jawaari. This is a great opportunity for the country. It is amazing elections held inside Somalia are going so smoothly. But the coverage was less than amazing. We had to rely on audio to get the news. Universal TV should be booed off the air, they are terrible.

^lol, other than to say my beloved Sharif is out appealing the disqualification of his candidates to his court appointed officials, Jurists without experience, I have to say its working out great.

NG, just sit and watch, stop asking questions you foreigner you.

What happened to Universal TV's live broadcasting? I saw the votes being counted and then everything blacked out... damn shame Qaran tv is not streaming live...silly pple

^atleast round 2 and 3, waayo, round 1 will select the top 4 vote getters, round 2, if its still tied race, they will select the next 2 top vote getters, and if still there isn't a 2/3 majority, they will go to the final round, selecting the top 2 getters, and the candidate with the most votes wins.

lol@Raamsade, thats very funny. Poster, I just posted open blog(Politics section) entitled: Saadi Ali and Co: The Politics of the Quota System and I wrote the following: There are many blog posts about the 2012- Somali Presidential Elections. There are open blog posts dedicated to profiling appointed members of the Federal Parliament. And not so others talking about the demise of the most recent President of the Transitional Federal Government accused of widespread corruption. But almost all of these threads have one thing in common, which is that most if not all have a comment or two related to the quota system thats imbedded in the recently drafted constitution of the Somali Republic. Most if not all of these commentaries complaint about the 30% quota afforded to women in the newly drafted constitution. Out of 825 delegates (better known as the NCA(national Constituent Assembly) tasked with reviewing and voting on a draft Provisional Constitution, a document that serves as Somalia's legal frame, the quota required to have 256 women. We now know the outcome of such proposal. The Islamists dismissed the proposal. The clan elders ignored the subject altogether, and the moderates cried foul. Some went as far as saying that the outside world was forcing the quota system on Somalis, which is why without understanding the goal of the quota system that they said they do not believe quota system because it was culturally incompatible. And others refused to support the 30% representation afforded to their sisters and mothers, sighting the discriminatory nature of the quota system. After Somalia's epic failure to meet its 30% quota in the selection of the National Constituent Assembly, the draft constitution passed with some success. Nevertheless, it was welcomed news, even by some women. Onto the process of including the council of elders who were tasked with nominating fellow clansmen to the federal parliament. Again, the subject of the quota system was front and center. Some clan elders refused to acknowledge that women were part and parcel of the clan system. They refused to acknowledge that women were the fabric of our society. Instead, they voted for their interest, which is to say, they voted for men more than women. In most Somali districts, there are more women than men but we only asked to have 30% of 225 representatives of the lower house to be appointed to the federal parliament. Women asked to have 30% of 16 appointed senators to the senate in the upper house of the federal parliament. Thats 68 women in lower house, 16 in the upper house, and lets not forget, a mere 256 to aid with the task of reviewing and voting on a legal document that will be binding. Why is it that women are half the world's population, majority in major Somali district but in some instances, they do not have political franchise? Mida kale, hadaa tahay the Men of SOL, lets not forget, women are your mothers. They gave birth to you. They fed and gave you shelter. And when some of the men were engaged in warfare (or in some instances, died or lost contact), women were there for you. Your Ayeeyo, Hooyo, Eedo, and Habaryar were the ones who took the responsibility of the household. They put on their motherly hat, and sometimes fatherly hat and buckled up for the long journey to settle in far away land. In most Somali households, there are more female households today than there was 20 years ago. They kept you safe and they raised you to be the men you are today. But your men folks, your Awoowe, Aabo, Adeer and Abti repaid them with calaacal and threats. When they are not treating their women folks as minors with no rights, they are citing religious edicts (written by men) to support their unwavering position. This is why the story should not be about whether or not Sheikh Sharif will survive and hold on to his post. Or why Sharif Hassan (Sharif Sakiin) is appointed to the lower house of the federal government when he does not meet the membership criteria for the federal parliament. (intimidation and threats wins the day. He threatened to buy a high school diploma from Bakaraha Market) Instead, we should be talking about the opportunity the quota system presents. We should debate the place women should have in the political process and perhaps compare and contrast with Barre's 1970s family law with the 30% quota system of 2012 . Barre was first to promote gender equality. Also, the 30% should not be looked as a quota system but a means to transform our society. The mechanism behind the quota system affords Somalia a future that is filled hope and optimism. A new future that all Somalis, men and women alike will have in a hand in building. And for those of you who think the 4.5 formula is a success and who cheer your fellow clansmen upon reviewing the list of MPs, I ask you, why is that any different from having a quota system designed to better the country. Our women are Somalia, and Somalia is our women. By appointing 68 women MPs, 16 Women Senators, you are assuring the country's future. Research shows that when women are actively engaged in nation building, poverty is reduced, the health and the economy of the country improves. This in turn boast security and brings stability. Contrary to popular believe, the goal of having a quota system is not to meet it. Its to deliver high turnout and a large number of elected women and enhance women's political participation thereby leading to more opportunity for women in the future. 30% is a benchmark. This is why there is no recourse today to meet the 30% quota. NCA failed to meet the quota, and it was business as usual. The Council of Elders failed to meet the 30% quota and again, business as usual. As Ngonge would say, wax fahma. Again, the goal is not to meet the 30%, the goal is to encourage women's political participation. This is why women are not up in arms about the clan big wigs refusal to meet the quota, in the most recent elections and the previous session of the National Constituent Assembly. For those who think Somalia is a lone wolf in advocating quota system, bal dib iskugu noqda oo halkan aqriya. Between 2000 and 2002, elections were held in 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with increases in women parliamentarians in 14 of them. Most of the countries that have achieved significant increases in women's participation have done so through the use of quotas - a form of affirmative action in favour of women. Worldwide, about 30 of the world's more than 190 countries apply some form of female quotas in politics. Quotas, the report reveals, have had a positive effect on increasing women’s involvement in politics. Out of the 59 countries that held elections last year, 17 of them had legislated quotas. In those countries, women gained 27 per cent of parliamentary seats compared to 16 per cent in countries without quotas. But research shows that the percentage of women parliamentarians stands at 19.5 per cent – only a 0.5 per cent increase from last year – which means that less than one in five parliamentarians across the world are women. Also, little known fact about Rwanda, Africa's most successful child. The republic reinforces Unity, Work and love of thy country. In turn, it brought its people together. Instead of playing the politics of division thats mostly attributed to its tragic past, they united as one. Men and women alike work side by side in assuring a functioning government. And by rebuilding the countries infrastructure and focusing on policies driven to grow the country's economy, they became the envy of all the failed states, Somalia included. in large part, the success of Rwanda is attributed to its women. Because of the quota system embedded in Rwanda's constitution, for the first time, women in Rwanda had political franchise and women played a key role in rebuilding Rwanda. Rwanda's constitution:- Article 76 The Chamber of deputies shall be composed of 80 members as follows : 1° fifty three (53) are elected in accordance with the provisions of article 77 of this Constitution; 2° twenty four (24) women ; that is : two from each Province and the City of Kigali. Sub-section 3 : The Senate Article 82 The Senate shall be composed of twenty six (26) members serving for a term of eight years (8) and at least thirty per cent (30 %) of whom are women . The World Bank now rates Rwanda as one of the world's 10 most-improved economies. " Also, for those commentators who are critical of the numerical value of 30%, I ask you, do you want Somalia to be a leader or a follower? Why do we care if the United States has less than 30% of women in public office? Does Somalia want to lead by example or do you want a Somali that models itself after the the United States and Britain? Read it here: In South Africa and Mozambique, for example, women hold 30 per cent of the seats in parliament - matching the international target. Women's representation in national parliaments across sub-Saharan Africa equals the world average of about 15 per cent. Despite being one of the poorest regions in the world, the level of women's representation in parliament in sub-Saharan Africa is higher than in many wealthier countries, observes UNIFEM in its Progress of the World's Women 2002 report. In the US, France and Japan for instance, women hold slightly more than 10 per cent of parliamentary seats. Best Wishes, LayZie G.

There are many blog posts about the 2012- Somali Presidential Elections. There are open blog posts dedicated to profiling appointed members of the Federal Parliament. And not so others talking about the demise of the most recent President of the Transitional Federal Government accused of widespread corruption. But almost all of these threads have one thing in common, which is that most if not all have a comment or two related to the quota system thats imbedded in the recently drafted constitution of the Somali Republic. Most if not all of these commentaries complaint about the 30% quota afforded to women in the newly drafted constitution. Out of 825 delegates (better known as the NCA(national Constituent Assembly) tasked with reviewing and voting on a draft Provisional Constitution, a document that serves as Somalia's legal frame, only asked to have 256 women, out of 825 delegates. We now know the outcome of such proposal. The Islamists dismissed the proposal. The clan elders ignored the subject altogether, and the moderates cried foul. Some went as far as saying that the outside world was forcing the quota system on Somalis, which is why without understanding the goal of the quota system that they said they do not believe quota system because it was culturally incompatible. And others refused to support the 30% representation afforded to their sisters and mothers, sighting the discriminatory nature of the quota system. After Somalia's epic failure to meet its 30% quota in the selection of the National Constituent Assembly, the draft constitution passed with some success. Nevertheless, it was welcomed news, even by some women. Onto the process of including the council of elders who were tasked with nominating fellow clansmen to the federal parliament. Again, the subject of the quota system was front and center. Some clan elders refused to acknowledge that women were part and parcel of the clan system. They refused to acknowledge that women were the fabric of our society. Instead, they voted for their interest, which is to say, they voted for more men than women. In most Somali districts, there are more women than men but we only asked to have 30% of 225 representatives of the lower house to be appointed to the federal parliament. Women asked to have 30% of 16 appointed senators to the senate in the upper house of the federal parliament. Thats 68 women in lower house, 16 in the upper house, and lets not forget, a mere 256 to aid with the task of reviewing and voting on a legal document that will be binding. Why is it that women are half the world's population, majority in major Somali district but in some instances, they do not have political franchise? Mida kale, hadaa tahay the Men of SOL, lets not forget, women are your mothers. They gave birth to you. They fed and gave you shelter. And when some of the men were engaged in warfare (or in some instances, died or lost contact), women were there for you. Your Ayeeyo, Hooyo, Eedo, and Habaryar were the ones who took the responsibility of the household. They put on their motherly hat, and sometimes fatherly hat and buckled up for the long journey to settle in far away land. In most Somali households, there are more female households today than there was 20 years ago. They kept you safe and they raised you to be the men you are today. But your men folks, your Awoowe, Aabo, Adeer and Abti repaid them with calaacal and threats. They treat them as minors who do not deserve to be recognized as a person that has rights. They cite religious edicts (written by men) to support their unwavering position. This is why the story should not be about whether or not Sheikh Sharif will survive and hold on to his post. Or why Sharif Hassan (Sharif Sakiin) is appointed to the lower house of the federal government when he does not meet the membership criteria for the federal parliament. (intimidation and threats wins the day. He threatened to buy a high school diploma from Bakaraha Market) Instead, we should be talking about the opportunity the quota system presents. We should debate the place women should have in the political process and perhaps compare and contrast with Barre's 1970s family law with the 30% quota system of 2012 . Barre was first to promote gender equality. Also, the 30% should not be looked as a quota system but a means to transform our society. The mechanism behind the quota system affords Somalia a future that is filled hope and optimism. A new future that all Somalis, men and women alike will have in a hand in building. And for those of you who think the 4.5 formula is a success and who cheer your fellow clansmen upon reviewing the list of MPs, I ask you, why is that any different from having a quota system designed to better the country. Our women are Somalia, and Somalia is our women. By appointing 68 women MPs, 16 Women Senators, you are assuring the country's future. Women were never a threat. Women are willing partners who will dedicate their lives to rebuilding the country. Research shows that when women are actively engaged in nation building, poverty is reduced, the health and the economy of the country improves. This in turn boast security and brings stability. Contrary to popular believe, the goal of having a quota system is not to meet it. Its to deliver high turnout and a large number of elected women and enhance women's political participation thereby leading to more opportunity for women in the future. 30% is a benchmark. This is why there is no recourse today to meet the 30% quota. NCA failed to meet the quota, and it was business as usual. The Council of Elders failed to meet the 30% quota and again, business as usual. As Ngonge would say, wax fahma. Again, the goal is not to meet the 30%, the goal is to encourage women's political participation. This is why women are not up in arms about the clan big wigs refusal to meet the quota, in the most recent elections and the previous session of the National Constituent Assembly. For those who think Somalia is a lone wolf in advocating quota system, bal dib iskugu noqda oo halkan aqriya. Between 2000 and 2002, elections were held in 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with increases in women parliamentarians in 14 of them. Most of the countries that have achieved significant increases in women's participation have done so through the use of quotas - a form of affirmative action in favour of women. Worldwide, about 30 of the world's more than 190 countries apply some form of female quotas in politics. Quotas, the report reveals, have had a positive effect on increasing women’s involvement in politics. Out of the 59 countries that held elections last year, 17 of them had legislated quotas. In those countries, women gained 27 per cent of parliamentary seats compared to 16 per cent in countries without quotas. But research shows that the percentage of women parliamentarians stands at 19.5 per cent – only a 0.5 per cent increase from last year – which means that less than one in five parliamentarians across the world are women. Also, little known fact about Rwanda, Africa's most successful child. The republic reinforces Unity, Work and love of thy country. In turn, it brought its people together. Instead of playing the politics of division thats mostly attributed to its tragic past, they united as one. Men and women alike work side by side in assuring a functioning government. And by rebuilding the countries infrastructure and focusing on policies driven to grow the country's economy, they became the envy of all the failed states, Somalia included. in large part, the success of Rwanda is attributed to its women. Because of the quota system embedded in Rwanda's constitution, for the first time, women in Rwanda had political franchise and women played a key role in rebuilding Rwanda. Rwanda's constitution:- Article 76 The Chamber of deputies shall be composed of 80 members as follows : 1° fifty three (53) are elected in accordance with the provisions of article 77 of this Constitution; 2° twenty four (24) women ; that is : two from each Province and the City of Kigali. Sub-section 3 : The Senate Article 82 The Senate shall be composed of twenty six (26) members serving for a term of eight years (8) and at least thirty per cent (30 %) of whom are women . The World Bank now rates Rwanda as one of the world's 10 most-improved economies. " Also, for those commentators who are critical of the numerical value of 30%, I ask you, do you want Somalia to be a leader or a follower? Why do we care if the United States has less than 30% of women in public office? Does Somalia want to lead by example or do you want a Somali that models itself after the the United States and Britain? Read it here: In South Africa and Mozambique, for example, women hold 30 per cent of the seats in parliament - matching the international target. Women's representation in national parliaments across sub-Saharan Africa equals the world average of about 15 per cent. Despite being one of the poorest regions in the world, the level of women's representation in parliament in sub-Saharan Africa is higher than in many wealthier countries, observes UNIFEM in its Progress of the World's Women 2002 report. In the US, France and Japan for instance, women hold slightly more than 10 per cent of parliamentary seats. FYI, Saado Ali is our Sharif Sakiin. She has not met the membership criteria of the federal parliament, but her nomination was approved. For every sakiin, we have a Saado Ali. Best Wishes, LayZie G.

Smiling jack....'Sakiin' is winning Can't stop, won't stop. Get with it. The worst is behind us, Somalia weathered the storm.... Today, Sharif and Mahiga lost, Somalia won.

Leader Mahiga's Somber remarks Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the New Federal Parliament (NFP) Mogadishu, 20 August 2012 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, offers his warmest congratulations on the remarkable occasion of the inauguration of the new Somali Federal Parliament. He pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Traditional Elders for identifying the candidates, the Technical Selection Committee (TSC) for diligently vetting the candidates and to all the Somali people at this moment of hope, optimism and progress. The SRSG also commends the work of the international observers to the TSC for their determination and diligence in assisting the Committee in carrying out its functions. Some 215 of the total number of 275 Members of Parliament were sworn in, comfortably passing the benchmark of 185 which allows for the New Federal Parliament to convene with a functioning majority. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Mogadishu International Airport, was attended by the President, the Prime Minister and the current Speaker of Parliament. Mr. Mussa Hassan Abdulle, a former army general was appointed interim Speaker of the NFP. “This historic moment marks the long-awaited end of the transitional period in Somalia. The new MPs, selected after broad-based, grass roots consultations and representing all of Somalia’s clans, have been successfully screened against objective criteria and are now ready to start their important work,” SRSG Mahiga stated. Careful selection resulted in high number of university graduates, relevant professional experience and a significant number of women although, the agreed upon quota of 30% was not reached. “Today’s events are the culmination of over 12 months of arduous and contentious political negotiations and mark the beginning of the last phase of the transition which will be completed in the coming days with the appointment of a Speaker, Deputy Speaker and a President.” The SRSG also takes the opportunity to thank the international partners, including the US, the UK, the EU, Italy and Norway, who visited Mogadishu yesterday to express their solidarity and support at this pivotal moment in the Somali peace process. He recognizes and appreciates the attendance of the Mogadishu-based diplomatic community, mostly from the region, who also participated in the meeting. “Somalia has suffered through two decades of brutal civil war. Today’s swearing in of a new, more qualified legislature marks a turning point for the nation. The Somali people have met the key 20 August deadline of the Roadmap on ending the transitional period and showed their courage and determination in moving forward on the road to peace and stability,” SRSG Mahiga said. Source: UNPOS

Xaaji Xunjuf;858491 wrote: So the list is complete now 275 mps are now ready to operate. No, the list is not complete. They have just over 200+ but have quorum,. The new parliament is in session. The list of senators for the upper house has not been released. More work needs to be done. It's official, Somalia has passed its transitional face. May Allah protect us from Sharif's machination. His people have temporarily held the registry hostage. They refused to issue the identification card for the newly selected MPs. Outside interest had to play mediators and he finally caved. Sharifs power grip is dangerous. Be aware, Sharif has crossed over to the dark side. He has deligitamized himself in the process. sharif si xaaraan ayuu Mogadishu u haystaa.

^ don't give up hope, Sharif has few cards to play. He is not out yet.

Btw, let me be the first( atleast I hope that I'm the first) to say that Ngonge was right all along. Clan is everything. The clan formula is working. The different clans are finallystarting to get it. They are indeed building up a caucus like system. We are seeing the big picture. This is a winning formula and Ngonge was first to say so in the year 1800, haha We are late to the game....... Ngonge is winning

NGONGE;858414 wrote: When did you give up on your sheikh, Oba? Lol, he has 62 other candidates that needs his full undivided attention.