Constitutional meeting sets roadmap for inclusive review process

A three day constitutional review consultative meeting bringing together the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and constitutional ministers of the four regional states ended today in Mogadishu with a roadmap for inclusive and participatory process.

The meeting which for the first time had full representation from the regional states emphasised the need for enhanced public participation in the constitutional review process to ensure the views of all sectors of the country are taken into consideration.

Speaking after the meeting, State Minister of Constitutional Affairs Hassan Mahmoud Jimalle said the two levels of government had agreed on a joint strategy for public consultations to iron out some of the key contentious issues in the provisional constitution.

“We discussed ways on starting of the constitutional review process including educating the Somali people about the constitution and its impact on their lives. We also agreed on wide public consultation among all citizens inside and outside the country so that we can arrive at the an acceptable document,” said Jimalle.

The review of the constitution is expected to be concluded by early next year to pave way for parliamentary debate and approval around March 2016 in readiness of the elections in 2016.

The Provisional Constitution was adopted by parliament in 2012 as the country’s guiding document after the end of the Transitional Federal Government.