MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia has postponed the amendments of the provisional constitution of Somalia after president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo issued decree on Thursday.

According to Somalia National Television, President Farmaajo directed the delay of the activities with the decision becoming effective today.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia HE Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has signed a Presidential Decree postponing the approval of the Amendments to the Provisional Constitution of the country,” quoting the decree, the state media reported.

The decision was said to have been taken due to the upcoming elections as the mandate of 10th Parliament is coming to an end.

The decree by the president was condemned by former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who accused the government of planning enforce autocracy.

“Today, the president of federal government of Somalia took another step towards despotic system,” he told the media in Mogadishu.

Somalia will commence its parliamentary from late this month.

The process of senate election is expected kick off on 26th December, a move opposed by the country’s opposition leaders.

The presidential candidates urged the regional states not participate elections, blaming the government of ignoring to address the concern of the opposition.

They also called on international to declare president Farmaajo as a ‘spoiler.’