The interim House of Representatives was formed in 1991, and driven by Somali National Movement.

[3] The current House of Representatives was formed following parliamentary elections held on 29 September 2005, which resulted in a strong combined majority for the opposition Kulmiye and UCID parties.

[4] MPs are elected in six multi-member constituencies, using the party-list proportional representation system for a five-year term.

Its most potent check on executive power is its right to approve, reject, or amend the government's annual budget and the right to inspect annual expenditure reports that the executive is obligated to prepare.

[5] The formation of the parliament in 2005 was the most important step in establishing a constitutionally-based, democratic governmental system in Somaliland.