This post discusses the senate of Somalia, the history of the senate house, composition, committee, election and members of the house.
HISTORY
The Senate came into existence in 2016 when Somalia shifted to a bicameral legislature and formed its 10th Parliament. This was after Art.61 (3) and Art.71 were mandated that brought the Upper House into existence, thus discharging the responsibilities of the 9th parliament.
Read: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF SOMALIA
The Senate consists of 54 senators from the different Federal Member States of the country. The Senate is composed of senators, each of whom represents a single state in its entirety.
The electorate expanded from 135 male elders in 2012, to more than 14,000 including 30 percent of women. The Senate of Somalia represents the Federal Member States and is responsible for the facilitating Federalism Principles, Initiating and amending laws, scrutinizing the bills and carrying out oversight functions.
SENATE HOUSE
The Senate of Somalia is the Upper Chamber of the bi-cameral legislature of Somalia. The Senate of Somalia is the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, which, along with the lower chamber constitutes the legislature of Somalia. The Senate chamber is located in Mogadishu, the capital City of Somalia.
The term “Senator” usually refers to a member of the Aqalka Sare, the Upper House of Somalia Federal parliament and the term “Xildhibaan” is used for the member of the House of People (the lower house), this does not imply the former is more powerful than the latter. The approval of both houses is necessary for legislation to become law and, thus, the Senate can reject bills passed by the House of the People.
COMPOSITION
The Senate of Somalia has 54 Senators from different Somali Federal Member States, namely Somaliland, Puntland, Jubbaland, Galmudug, Southwest and Hirshabelle State of Somalia.
Somaliland 11 20%
Puntland 11 20%
Jubaland 8 15%
Galmudug 8 15%
South West 8 15%
Hirshabeelle 8 15%
Total 54 100%
ELECTIONS AND TERM
The Provisional Constitution of Somalia refers that the term Federal Parliament both houses is four years beginning from the elections. In addition, the members of the Upper House of Somalia Federal Parliament cannot be dissolved.
COMMITTEES
The Senate also has several committees that carry out the house business and also involve in legislative processes. Other committees may be established on an ad hoc basis for specific purposes and they can monitor executive branches of the government to review their performances and make sure that law is upheld.
LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS
Although legislation may be introduced in either chamber, most bills originate in the House of People. The Senate is not permitted to originate bills imposing taxes or appropriating public funds. The Senate tends to be less partisan and confrontational than the House of the people and is more likely to come to a consensus on issues. It is more active at reviewing, amending, and even rejecting Federalism Principles, Initiate and amend laws, scrutinize the bills and carry out oversight functions.
The Upper House of the Federal Parliament legislative duties includes Participation in the process of the amending the Constitution; Passing, or rejecting the laws that are tabled; Study of laws; Participation in the election of the President of the Federal Republic; Dismissal of the President; Participation in the process of declaring war; Carrying out other duties required by the Constitution to ensure proper implementation and review of the Constitution and Participation in the process of declaring a state of emergency. It also approves the appointment of Members of the Judicial Service Commission; Chairman and Judges of the Constitutional Court; Members of the National Independent Electoral Commission; Members of the Boundaries and Federation Commission and Members of the Arbitration Committee.
MEMBERS
The number of members in the Senate currently stands at 54, led by the House Speaker.
| Speaker of the Senate | Period | |
| Abdi Hashi Abdullahi | 22 January 2017 – |
| Member of the senate | Period 2016-2021 | |
| Abdirizak Jurile | 12 December 2016 |