MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has requested a delay in the opening of the 7th session of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, which had been scheduled for Saturday, according to parliamentary officials.

Lawmakers from both the House of the People and the Upper House were notified that the session will now officially open on September 29. Under Article 90 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, the president is mandated to open parliamentary sessions. He is expected to deliver a speech outlining the government’s progress during the parliamentary recess.

The postponement comes amid reports that Villa Somalia is exploring a plan to extend its mandate by two years, a move likely to spark fresh political debate.

At the same time, several members of parliament are preparing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s government. Legislators behind the motion say it will be presented to the Speaker at the very first sitting of the new session.