By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 14 April 2026 Somalia has entered a period of constitutional uncertainty after the federal parliament’s mandate expired on Tuesday without the election of a successor legislature, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said.
In a statement posted on social media, Farmajo warned that the lapse of parliament’s term, as stipulated under Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution, risks creating a legal and institutional vacuum that could affect governance and national stability.
“The country has entered a dangerous phase affecting security, unity and statehood, driven by uncertainty over elections and the democratic process,” he said.
He said under Article 60 of the constitution, parliamentary elections are required to be completed before the expiry of the sitting legislature’s term. However, no new parliament has yet been constituted.
Farmajo said that, according to Article 69, the constitutional authority of parliament underpins the legitimacy of state institutions, warning that its absence could lead to legal confusion, lack of accountability and potential abuse of power.
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The development comes as Somalia faces ongoing political tensions over the electoral process, with federal and regional leaders yet to agree on a clear roadmap for the next vote.
Farmajo also said the president’s constitutional term is nearing its end, with 31 days remaining under Article 91, raising further concerns about a possible institutional gap if elections are not held in time.
Farmajo called for an urgent and inclusive political agreement to ensure credible elections and prevent what he described as a constitutional vacuum that could undermine the country’s fragile stability.
Somalia's federal parliament amended the 2012 constitution that Farmajo quoted early this year. The amended document was later signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud early March. The federal government has not yet issued an immediate response to the remarks.