Constitution of Puntland


The Constitution of Puntland is the governing document and legal framework for the autonomous Puntland region of Somalia. It is the supreme law documenting the duties, powers, structure and function of the government of Puntland, subject only to Somalia's federal constitution. The current constitution, adopted on the 18 April 2012, is Puntland state's first and only permanent constitution.

Constitutions

1998 Provisional Charter

Delegates representing various local clans began arriving in Garowe from early May 1998 for the opening of the constitutional conference on 15 May. Organisation of the “Shir Beeleed”, subsequently known as the “Shir-Beeleedka Dastuuriga ah ee Garowe”, included the registration and accommodation of delegates, undertaken by a preparatory committee which organised the whole conference process and drafted the charter with the help of a group of international constitutional lawyers. Over 460 delegates representing the different sub-clans and social strata participated. A provisional Charter was adopted in July and a president and vice-president were elected, marking the establishment of the Puntland State of Somalia.

2001 Constitution

A transitional constitution was adopted by the House of Representatives of Puntland on 05/06/2011. In conformity with Article 28, a constitutional commission was established and a new constitution proposed. The transitional constitution made way for an anticipated federal Somalia.
The constitution was based on the following provisions:
The current Puntland constitution was adopted on 18 April 2012. Out of 480 representatives, 472 representatives voted to approve the draft constitution.

Title I: "The Puntland State And Its Founding Principles"