The NIEC has taken part in a series of important capacity building and engagement activities both in Somalia and abroad. In support of developing an elections law for 2020, the NIEC attended a May 2016 workshop that defined universally accepted electoral legal standards and how these can best be adapted to the Somali context. In addition, issues such as free access to the electoral process for candidates, voters and the media were also explored. Furthermore, participants learned about boundary delimitation and electoral systems.
Members of Somalia’s NIEC also had the opportunity to share experiences about the country’s transition process and develop their knowledge base during two workshops in Jordan on the role of EMBs in enhancing women’s participation in elections (19-21 April 2016) and the role of Electoral Management Bodies in promoting human rights in the Arab-speaking world (13-15 March 2016). The gender and elections workshop also featured the launching of the recently released UNDP/UNWOMEN publication “Inclusive Electoral Processes: A Guide for Electoral Management Bodies on Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Participation.”
During the workshop, Somalia’s NIEC Chair Halima Ismail Ibrahim chaired a session on success stories of the Arab She also spoke about the creation of Somalia’s NIEC and the need to educate the country’s women, men and elders about the need for women’s participation in elections and political processes.
In addition, three other Commissioners in March 2016 visited the South African Electoral Commission to learn about voter registration best practices. Of importance were the commonalities that exist between the two post-conflict countries which can form a good reference point and adapt what can work best in the context of Somalia. The team also took the time to tour several voter registration stations to observe the process. Furthermore, the commissioners participated on 22-24 February 2016 in a training on principles of institutional governance and leadership qualities aimed at enhancing understanding of governance structures, frameworks, and their importance in establishing a credible foundation for a strong institution responsive to the needs of the people and upholding democratic principles. A gender mainstreaming workshop was also held on 18 February 2016 to ensure gender responsive programmes in electoral management and administration. Prior to this, a public outreach training was provided on how to identify target audiences, design electoral slogans and messages. In July 2015, the Commissioners held a first training on the foundations of an electoral cycle followed by an August peer-to-peer training on electoral systems with South Africa’s former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Brigalia Bam.
A first elections and media training workshops was held in October 2015 which was followed by a Tanzania and Zanzibar national elections study tour, as well as a visit to Turkey to observe its national polls, held on 1 November 2015.
The Commission has taken other important steps to accomplish its goals which have included the following activities:
• Development of the Commission’s vision, mission and work plan for the Commission until the end of 2016 and establishment of the Commission’s short and long term goals.
• Establishment of temporary offices for the commission to carry out its duties until its headquarters are built.
• Consultations held with leading members of the Federal Government, heads of regional administrations, civil society, scholars and the international community.
