Puntland Parliament Approves Constitutional Amendments, Leaves Presidential Term Limits Unchanged

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.