Somaliland’s Supreme Court Denies Election Commission’s Request for Legal Interpretation

[Deeq A.]

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In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Somaliland, also known as the Constitutional Court, has categorically rejected the request for a legal interpretation submitted by the Election Commission. This move comes in response to the mounting political tension that has gripped Somaliland since the submission of the controversial request.

According to an official statement released by the court, it has unequivocally turned down the application dated 4th July 2023. This application was aimed at seeking legal interpretation pertaining to certain unspecified issues from the country’s highest court.

Judicial Limitations and Political Repercussions
In its statement, the Constitutional Court stressed that it does not hold the authority to dictate election schedules. Instead, this power is vested solely in the National Elections Commission. As such, the court expressly refused to intervene in this matter, underscoring the limitations of its judicial powers.

Referring to Article 16 of the General Elections Act, the court directed the National Electoral Commission to take the responsibility of determining the timing of the elections. The court emphasized that this task falls squarely within the Electoral Commission’s jurisdiction, thus effectively distancing itself from the ongoing political discourse.
The Election Commission’s original decision to seek a legal interpretation from the Supreme Court concerning the presidential and union elections has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among opposition parties. Their discontent stems from the commission’s avoidance of issuing a definitive ruling on the matter. This latest development has only added fuel to the ongoing political unrest, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days.

BNN

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