Garowe (WDN) —Puntland’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a package of constitutional amendments proposed by the administration of President Said Abdullahi Deni, marking another significant step in the region’s ongoing institutional and electoral reforms.

The amendments were passed during Thursday’s parliamentary session with broad support, signaling a rare consensus among lawmakers on key governance issues. Notably, Article 79 of the Puntland Constitution—which governs the presidential term of office and has been one of the most contentious issues in Puntland politics—was left untouched. The provision had been the focus of sustained criticism from opposition politicians, who had feared that the government might seek to alter presidential term limits.

Addressing the media after the vote, MP Yasin Jama Omar confirmed that Article 79 was not among the constitutional provisions submitted by the executive for amendment, effectively leaving the existing presidential tenure provisions intact. Instead, Parliament approved amendments to Articles 37, 41, 44, 47, 74, 81, 90, 113, and 126 of the Puntland Constitution.

According to lawmakers, the revised provisions primarily relate to Puntland’s transition toward one person, one vote elections, civilian financial administration, judicial tenure, and other institutional governance matters designed to strengthen the region’s constitutional framework.

The amendments were adopted by an overwhelming majority. According to an official statement issued by the Puntland Parliament, 41 lawmakers voted in favor, none voted against, while four members abstained. The unanimous support among those casting votes in favor reflects a broad parliamentary consensus on the proposed reforms, despite the political sensitivities that have surrounded constitutional changes in Puntland in recent years.

The decision is expected to provide greater clarity for Puntland’s electoral and governance agenda as the administration continues implementing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance and modernizing public institutions.

By leaving the politically sensitive presidential term provision unchanged while advancing reforms in other areas, the Puntland government appears to have sought a balance between responding to opposition concerns and moving forward with its broader constitutional reform program.

Political observers are likely to view the outcome as an attempt to reduce tensions over executive tenure while maintaining momentum on electoral reform, institutional development, and the modernization of Puntland’s constitutional framework.

WardheerNews