Puntland’s House of Representatives has approved amendments to the Regional Administration, Districts and Local Government Act, advancing a package of governance reforms aimed at strengthening decentralization, improving local administration, and enhancing the delivery of public services across the state.
The legislation was passed during the 13th sitting of the 58th parliamentary session, chaired by Speaker Abdirizak Ahmed Said, following several days of debate and the completion of its third reading.
The amended law, prepared by the Parliamentary Committee on Interior, Federal Affairs and Democracy, is designed to improve coordination between regional and district administrations, strengthen local councils, increase transparency and accountability, and provide a more effective legal framework for local governance.
A total of 38 lawmakers participated in the vote, with 32 voting in favor, five opposing, and one abstaining, resulting in the bill’s approval.
Parliament also received proposed amendments to the Puntland Voter Registration Law, submitted by the regional government, for a first reading. The amendments form part of broader electoral reforms aimed at strengthening Puntland’s democratic institutions and election framework.
The latest legislative developments come amid wider constitutional and political reforms pursued by the Puntland administration under President Said Abdullahi Deni.
In recent months, Puntland has rejected constitutional amendments introduced by Somalia’s Federal Government, arguing they were enacted without broad political consensus and undermine the country’s federal system.
As part of its own governance agenda, Puntland has introduced reforms that include a secret-ballot mechanism for closely contested parliamentary votes, a 30-day deadline for filling vacant leadership positions, and a decision to withhold recognition of federal constitutional and structural changes until they receive broader national agreement.
Puntland officials have maintained that any changes affecting Somalia’s federal framework should be reached through inclusive dialogue involving all federal member states and political stakeholders.
Parliament is expected to reconvene on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to continue deliberations on the proposed electoral reforms and other pending legislation.