Frontier Correspondent
Somalia’s Federal Parliament has wrapped up the registration of candidates for its inaugural representation in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), clearing 18 contenders to vie for nine seats in a vote scheduled for Wednesday.
The process, which wrapped up at 1:00 p.m. local time, was overseen by a joint parliamentary committee mandated to ensure eligibility and transparency.
The committee is chaired by MP Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan (Nuux), with Senator Zamzam Ibrahim Ali as deputy, and includes MPs Abdi Ibrahim Warsame (Qowdhan), Guled Bihi Abdi, and Senator Iftiin Hassan Iman (Baasto).
The panel confirmed the candidates after verifying requirements such as Somali citizenship, a minimum age of 25, a university degree, proficiency in English, the EAC’s working language and a demonstrated commitment to regional cooperation.
Notably, current federal ministers, sitting parliamentarians, and serving EAC officials were barred from contesting to prevent conflicts of interest.
The official list of candidates was published at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, paving the way for the election in a joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses.
Parliamentary officials said the selection would prioritize gender, political, and social balance in line with EAC protocols.
“This is a transparent and merit-based process that ensures fair representation,” the committee stated, urging lawmakers to participate actively.
Wednesday’s vote marks a historic milestone in Somalia’s integration into the East African Community (EAC), which it joined as the eighth member on November 24, 2023, following treaty ratification in March 2024.
For the first time, Somali delegates will take their seats in Arusha, Tanzania, alongside representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
EALA, the bloc’s legislative arm, plays a crucial role in harmonizing laws on trade, security, economic cooperation, and regional policies. Somali leaders hailed the development as a “long-awaited homecoming” into East African diplomacy after decades of isolation due to conflict.
“This election will empower Somali professionals, legal experts, and policymakers to shape regional laws and strategies,” one parliamentary official said.
They added that participation would open doors for trade, labor mobility, and access to regional infrastructure in transport, energy, and digital sectors.
Somalia is also expected to appoint a judge to the East African Court of Justice’s First Instance Division, further embedding itself in the bloc’s judicial framework.
The move underscores Somalia’s commitment to regional stability and economic revival, leveraging its strategic coastline and youthful population for trade, maritime security, and cultural exchange.
Analysts view this as a major step toward deeper regional cooperation and potential leadership roles within the EAC.
With the ballot set for Wednesday, excitement is building in Mogadishu. Lawmakers are being urged to support candidates capable of advancing Somalia’s interests on the continental stage.
The elected representatives will be sworn in alongside their regional counterparts, marking the official start of Somalia’s voice in one of Africa’s most dynamic intergovernmental bodies.