MOGADISHU (SD) – The two-year term extension for Somali president and the parliament has been signed into last night by Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

According to the country’s information minister, Osman A. Dubbe, President assented to the resolution which allows the current government rule the nation for two more year.

“President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo officially singed the Special Electoral Law for Federal Election on Tuesday evening. The Parliament voted overwhelmingly this motion on Monday 12.4.2021,” Dubbe said in a twitter post.

Last Monday, Somalia’s lower house of parliament voted to extend the president’s mandate after months of deadlock over the holding of elections in the fragile nation.

Lower House speaker Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdurahman said 149 lawmakers voted for the proposal on Monday, one rejected it and three abstained.

Mursal said the measure would allow the country to prepare for direct elections.

The move to extend the mandate of the government was condemned by UK, EU and US. In separate statements, the trio said they will consider reassessing bilateral relations with Somalia.

They also hinted possible sanctions and review of support to Somalia.

EU which is a key supporter of Somalia’s reconstruction process also warned that the move by the Lower House to extend the term of the president was a threat to the country’s stability and could cause divisions in the country.

“The European Union believes that the passage and signing of this resolution will divide Somalia, impose additional delays and constitute a grave threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and its neighbours,” said EU High Representative Josep Borrell.