Roble Should Reread the Draft Constitution of Somalia

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (PP Editorial) — Somalia Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble interprets President of Somalia’s edicts as a violation of his decision to hand over the responsibility to prepare Somalia for indirect elections. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed did not hand over key presidential duties enshrined in the draft constitution. If the President ever wanted to do so or circumstances necessitated it, the draft constitution is the ultimate reference.

Roble’s misreading of the draft constitution might plunge Somalia into political uncertainty.

The Speaker of the Parliament can take over presidential duties temporarily or in the event of resignation. That Roble fails to honour powers that the draft constitution vests in the President bodes ill for the endeavours to hold indirect elections in Somalia. The distinction between ad hoc powers to take a lead role in preparing Somalia for elections and constitutional prerogatives of the President is clear.

The distinction lays an emphasis on the impartial role of the Prime Minister following the President’s decision to hand over to Roble the overall responsibility to oversee election preparations. Any action that might tip Somalia into political uncertainty should be avoided. It is the Prime Minister who, rather than making hasty and divisive decisions, should be setting an example to follow.

As it stands, the Prime Minister is taking a leaf from the self-styled opposition’s playbook. There is a growing risk that his power struggle with the Presidency may alienate many Somali constituencies.

The Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble must show teamwork and political maturity at a time Mogadishu is on the break of returning to warlord fiefdoms. Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it, as the old dictum says.

© Puntland Post, 2020

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