By Asha Elmi - Reporter
ARUSHA, Tanzania, 7 October 2026 Somalia is prioritising political dialogue, stronger state institutions and greater public participation as part of its political process, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, said at an international parliamentary gathering in Tanzania.
Nur, also known as Abdulkadir Jama, made the remarks on Tuesday at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, attended by parliamentary leaders and representatives from around the world.
The speaker said Somalia was seeking to build an independent, transparent and inclusive parliament that was closer to citizens and played a central role in state-building, democratic development and government accountability.
He said strengthening institutions, promoting political dialogue and increasing public participation were important to Somalia’s political process.
His remarks come as Somalia’s electoral system and broader political framework remain subjects of political debate in the country.
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Nur also addressed plans for direct elections, saying Somalia had taken steps towards expanding democratic participation.
According to a statement from the lower house of parliament, Nur said direct local elections had been held in Mogadishu and in some federal member states, while the electoral process was continuing in other parts of the country.
He said parliament should protect the interests of Somali citizens, strengthen public confidence in national institutions and hold the government accountable.
The 153rd IPU Assembly is focusing on issues including good governance, parliamentary cooperation and community empowerment through inclusive participation, trust and equal opportunities.