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treaties (although treaties which are of a regional or international character must be discussed at
a joint meeting of both Houses, as set out in Article 38(6)).
House of Elders or
Guurti
The
Guurti
played a critical role in peace-building following the collapse of the Barre regime in
1991 and the disintegration of all other political institutions. Over a seven-year period, between
1990 and 1997, the
Guurti
led a reconciliation process based on its traditional mandate to
resolve conflicts and preserve peace in north Somalia. The
Guurti
organized 39 clan-based
peace and reconciliation conferences in this period, contributing to peaceful relations between
war-affected communities and enabling the establishment of local and national institutions of
government. Reflecting this, the
Guurti
has a discrete role in respect to religion, security,
tradition and peace.
The
Guurti
also has a special constitutional role in "consulting the traditional heads of the
communities" (Article 61(4)). Article 62 of the constitution sets out the upper chamber’s
principal duties and legislative functions:
•
Approve legislation relating to religion, tradition/culture, and security;
•
Review legislation approved by the House of Representatives, with the exception of
legislation relating to financial matters. It may refer legislation back to the House of
Representatives only once within 30 days, though the lower chamber can override the
Guurti’s
objections and confirm the bill with a two-thirds’ majority;
•
Advise on the shortcomings of the administration of the government and the presentation of
such advice to the House of Representatives;
•
Assist the government in matters relating to religion, security, defense, traditions (culture),
economy and society, while consulting the traditional heads of the communities;
•
Hold members accountable by summoning members of the government and putting
questions to them about the fulfillment of their duties, and;
•
Extend the terms of office of the president and the House of Representatives when
exceptional circumstances make an election impossible.
Committees
Article 18(1) sets out the House of Representatives’ standing committees, which include a total
of eight committees: the permanent committee; the economic, finance and commerce
committee; the social and religious affairs committee; the environment, livestock, agriculture
and natural resources committee; the internal affairs, security and defense committee; the
foreign affairs, international co-operation and national planning committee; and the constitution,
justice and human rights committee.
Ad hoc committees may be formed as needed and the committees are to meet on Wednesdays
and Thursdays (Rule 20(9)).
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Under Article 7, the standing committees of the
Guurti
are: the
permanent committee, the security committee, the economic committee, the social affairs
committee and the law and justice committee.
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According to field staff this schedule is not adhered to in practice.
