The 6th session of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia officially commenced on Monday in Mogadishu, marking the continuation of critical legislative deliberations for the country. During the session, Members of Parliament engaged in an in-depth debate on the second reading of the draft bill concerning registration and civil status data.
The proposed legislation is considered a foundational step in establishing a reliable national identification system. It aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events. MPs highlighted the bill’s potential to strengthen governance, enhance access to public services, and improve national planning through accurate civil data.
Several lawmakers emphasized the bill’s importance in bolstering Somalia’s state-building efforts and in supporting electoral processes by facilitating credible voter registration. Concerns were also raised regarding data protection, the technical infrastructure required for implementation, and the inclusivity of marginalized populations.
The debate will continue in upcoming sittings, with MPs expected to provide further recommendations before the bill moves to the final reading and potential adoption.