Somalia operates under a federal parliamentary republic system, as established by its Provisional Constitution adopted in 2012. This framework delineates a two-tiered government structure comprising the Federal Government and Federal Member States (FMS), each possessing distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Federal Government is responsible for national affairs such as foreign policy, defense, citizenship, and monetary policy, while the FMS manage regional matters, maintaining their own constitutions and security forces. The Federal Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of the People (lower house) and the Senate (upper house), both of which participate in the legislative process. The President serves as the head of state, and the Prime Minister, appointed by the President and approved by the Parliament, acts as the head of government.

In contrast, Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, functions as a unitary presidential republic. Its governance structure is defined by the Constitution of Somaliland, adopted in 2001, which establishes a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The President, directly elected by the populace, serves as both the head of state and government, and is limited to two five-year terms. The bicameral Parliament comprises the House of Representatives (lower house) and the House of Elders (upper house), known as the Guurti, which integrates traditional clan-based power structures into the modern state apparatus. This hybrid system combines customary Somali institutions with contemporary governance models, contributing to Somaliland's relative stability and democratic processes compared to the broader region.

Related provisions of domestic law or policy

Constitution of Somalia

• Year: 2012
• Type: Domestic law
• Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
• Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2012/en/97615

Legal provision