Secretary-General Welcomes Announcement by Somalia’s Federal Indirect Elections Implementation Team on Timetable for 2016 Electoral Process

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by Somalia’s Federal Indirect Elections Implementation Team of a timetable for the 2016 electoral process.  This decision, which sets out the process to choose a new federal Parliament between 24 September and 10 October and President by 30 October, has today been endorsed by Somalia’s National Leadership Forum.

The Secretary-General trusts that the agreed timetable will be adhered to, and urges all parties to refrain from any action that would cause further delay.  He notes that the 2016 electoral process is an important milestone in Somalia’s journey towards democracy.  In that regard, he further welcomes the National Leadership Forum’s commitment to ensure transition towards a multiparty system by 2018, ahead of elections in 2020.

The Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of Somalia’s 2016 electoral process being conducted in a transparent, credible and inclusive manner, and in a climate of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.  In this regard, he commends in particular the renewed commitment of the National Leadership Forum to ensure that one third of Parliamentary seats are set aside for female candidates.  This is an important signal of the country’s progress towards inclusive political governance that will allow all Somalis to enjoy the benefits of peace.