Press Statement

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 20, 2016

The United States is increasingly concerned about delays in the 2016 Somali electoral process. The Federal Government of Somalia, Somali parliament, and regional leaders have repeatedly voiced their commitment to hold an electoral process on schedule, in accordance with the Somali constitution and resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

The continuing legitimacy of Somali federal institutions depends on Somalia's leaders following through with a transparent political transition prior to the expiration of the current government’s mandate. We call on the federal parliament to act swiftly to enact and implement the National Leaders Forum-endorsed electoral model. The United States stands ready to assist the Somali people and government in this step on their path towards stable democratic governance.