Hargeisa (SD) – 46 members of the House of Representatives have today filed a petition with the Supreme Court regarding the dispute over the opening of political parties.

Lawmaker Mohamed Hussein Maidhane, a member of the Somaliland House of Representatives, said they had referred the Bill to the Supreme Court, which was in dispute, and noted that the public was waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision.

“We have vowed to protect the country, the people and the constitution, and Article 38 of the constitution stipulates that parliamentarians must carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution. With this in mind, we have come to the Supreme Court, to ask for a legal interpretation of a disputed law, and when a dispute arises, it is referred to the Constitutional Court.” Said Maidhane.

Lawmaker Mohamed Abib Yusuf, a member of the House of Representatives, spoke at length about the reasons behind the dispute over Bill 14 and why they referred it to the Supreme Constitutional Court.

“There is no problem in the House of Representatives, but our House is in dispute over two pieces of legislation, both of which are enshrined in the constitution. We need clarification on this item”. Said Lawmaker Abib.

He added “The 46 members present, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, are siting Article 77 of the Constitution for their argument, while others are siting Article 78.”

The House of Representatives is closed since last week due to the debate over the opening of political parties.