Oversight Role

Parliamentary oversight is one of the fundamental functions of the Somaliland Parliament, ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance. This oversight function allows Parliament to monitor and evaluate the performance of the executive branch, ensuring that government policies, expenditures, and actions align with the constitution and national interests.

Mechanisms of Parliamentary Oversight in Somaliland

Legislative Scrutiny and Policy Evaluation
The Parliament reviews, debates, and approves legislation before it becomes law. It also assesses the effectiveness of existing laws and policies to ensure they serve the public interest. Through committee hearings and policy debates, MPs can suggest amendments or propose new laws that address emerging national issues.

Budgetary Oversight and Financial Accountability
One of the Parliament's key responsibilities is reviewing and approving the national budget. The Parliament ensures that government spending is transparent, efficient, and directed toward national priorities. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and other parliamentary bodies examine financial reports, audit government expenditures, and investigate cases of mismanagement or corruption.

Government Accountability and Ministerial Questioning
Ministers and senior government officials are required to appear before Parliament to answer questions regarding government policies, programs, and decisions. This ensures that the executive remains accountable for its actions and policies. Parliamentary debates provide an opportunity for opposition and independent MPs to challenge government decisions and highlight concerns raised by the public.

Investigation and Inquiry Commissions
The Parliament has the power to establish investigative committees and commissions to examine specific issues, such as allegations of corruption, human rights violations, or governance failures. These investigations help bring transparency to government actions and ensure corrective measures are taken where necessary.

Oversight of Security and Foreign Relations
The Parliament plays a role in national security by debating and approving key policies related to defense and foreign relations. It reviews treaties and agreements that Somaliland enters with other states or international organizations, ensuring that they align with national interests and legal frameworks.

Public Representation and Citizen Engagement
MPs act as representatives of the people, bringing public concerns to Parliament. Through public hearings, petitions, and direct engagement with civil society, the Parliament ensures that citizens’ voices are heard in national decision-making processes.

Challenges to Effective Parliamentary Oversight

Despite its crucial role, parliamentary oversight in Somaliland faces several challenges:

• Limited Resources and Capacity: The Parliament may lack sufficient technical and financial resources to conduct in-depth oversight.
• Executive Influence: In some cases, the executive branch may exert influence over parliamentary decisions, limiting its independence.
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: While Parliament can highlight governance issues, the implementation of its recommendations remains a challenge.

Conclusion

Parliamentary oversight is essential for strengthening democracy, ensuring accountability, and promoting effective governance in Somaliland. By improving oversight mechanisms, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring public participation, the Parliament can further strengthen its role as a watchdog for the nation.