FY 2016 ANNUAL REPORT Bringing Unity, Integrity, and Legitimacy to Democracy (BUILD) in Somalia

The National Leadership Forum (NLF), comprising key government officials, held several meetings to facilitate a legislative and executive transition. The NLF established a process for forming the Parliament, with traditional elders selecting 50-member electoral colleges to choose members of the Lower House, and the Upper House formed by state executives and state assemblies. The NLF appointed the 22-member Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) to administer the 2016 selection process in August. FIEIT issued a press statement detailing decisions on the electoral calendar, a mandate extension for the incumbent administration, the establishment of the Electoral Dispute Resolution Committee, and clarification on the gender quota. The NLF also gave political parties two years to register according to the Political Party Law passed in June. The National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) was nominated in summer 2015 and focused on capacity building, hiring staff, and fundraising for a new headquarters. NIEC Chairwoman Halima Yara and eight other commissioners worked on initial capacity building, hiring a new Secretary-General, and fundraising. In Q3, the newly selected Secretary-General and head of the NIEC Secretariat Dahir Jibreel Mirrel arrived in Mogadishu. NIEC temporarily registered political parties to expedite registration due to the absence of a registrar. FIEIT announced a new electoral timetable on September 26, delaying the original dates for the selection process. The elections were postponed due to clan elders' failure to submit lists of delegates on time, resistance to the quota for women delegates and candidates, lack of a functional dispute resolution committee, financial challenges, and security concerns. Opposition groups accused the incumbent administration of using delay tactics to gain additional time for campaigning. Security incidents, such as bombings near MIA Madina Gate and the SYL Hotel in July and August, significantly impacted activities. The holy month of Ramadan, Eid al Adha in September, and the IGAD Summit also affected operations. The security situation in Somalia remained a major concern, with ongoing efforts to address these challenges. The Federal Government of Somalia continued to navigate the complexities of the electoral process, with the NLF and FIEIT playing crucial roles in facilitating the transition. The NIEC focused on capacity building and registration of political parties. Despite challenges, the government remained committed to implementing the electoral process and ensuring a smooth transition. The security situation in Somalia remained a major concern, with ongoing efforts to address these challenges. The government continued to work towards establishing a stable and secure environment, essential for the successful implementation of the electoral process. The international community, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided support to the government in its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote stability in Somalia. The electoral process in Somalia was complex and challenging, with various stakeholders involved. The National Leadership Forum, Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team, and National Independent Electoral Commission played critical roles in facilitating the transition. The government's efforts to address security concerns and implement the electoral process were ongoing, with the support of the international community. The Federal Government of Somalia continued to work towards establishing a stable and secure environment, essential for the successful implementation of the electoral process. The government's efforts to address security concerns and implement the electoral process were ongoing, with the support of the international community. The electoral process in Somalia was complex and challenging, with various stakeholders involved.