Somalia: Puntland Cabinet approves new regional constitution
25 May 25, 2009 - 10:47:01 AM
GAROWE, Somalia May 25 (Garowe Online) - The Council of Ministers in Somalia's self-governing State of Puntland formally voted and approved the region's new constitution, Radio Garowe reports.
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole" presided over the meeting held at State House in Garowe, the capital of Puntland. Dr. Abdi Farah Jim'ale, State Minister for Democratization Process, presented the new constitution and a debate ensued thereafter.
Puntland President Abdirahman Farole
The hours-long meeting lasted into the night Sunday, when the Puntland Cabinet unanimously approved the new constitution.
The Puntland Parliament is expected to open debate on the new constitution soon, government officials said.
President Farole, who promised political reforms during 2008 election campaign, has made the new constitution one of his administration's top priorities.
If ratified by Parliament, the constitution will introduce a multi-party political system for the first time since the inception of Puntland State in 1998.
The new constitution must undergo a public referendum after parliamentary approval, a government source added.
Puntland, located in northeastern Somalia, considers itself a federal state within Somalia with its own regional government, security forces and political autonomy.
Source: Garowe Online
