H.E. The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, H.E. The Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Mohammed Osman Jawari, H.E. The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Presidents of existing and emerging Federal Member States, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Governors, Representatives of civil society, women, youth, Fellow Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This has not been an easy journey.  So let me applaud everyone for your determination, your wisdom, and your vision.

Over the past two months, Somalia has spoken.  It has spoken loudly and clearly in favour of political participation and change.

As I said three days ago, we heard great many views, some of them almost diametrically opposed.

We knew it would not be easy to reach agreement on an electoral model.  But this is what compromise is about:  no-one should get everything they want.  But everyone should get something. 

Today a model is emerging that takes into account what the people said in their consultations. The new Parliament will not be based on just clan, it will also have geographic representation. Nor will members of parliament just be nominated by traditional elders. Instead electoral caucuses of several thousand will vote for candidates. This will offer real choices and be a step towards one-person one-version elections. 

In 2016, there will be more people voting and more candidates from which to choose.

Excellencies,

The Mogadishu Declaration marks a turning point in women’s representation with a guaranteed minimum number of seats for women in the Lower and Upper Houses and a commitment to 30% overall.

There will be a greater role of youth and women in all stages, especially in the electoral caucuses and as candidates.

Today in the Mogadishu Declaration, the NCF and assembled model must be supported by an agreed road-map, backed by international partners, to implement the electoral process for 2016 and to bring the country to full democracy by 2020.

In 2016, Somalia will see an electoral process that will involve a far greater number of Somalis than have been involved in any political decision-making process in this country for a very long time.  And this will be, in many ways, only the beginning of the road there will have to be many further steps along the way to ensure you can reach the goal of universal elections.

Much needs to be done.  At this stage, we know the outlines of the electoral model that will be employed next year.  As described in the Mogadishu Declaration, work is still needed on the detail and on an implementation plan.

International partners will support you in taking the Mogadishu Declaration to the people. We will support you on the road of implementation, with our political support, our continued financial and security assistance, and our technical advice.  And we will also stand with you when you encounter difficulties along the road. 

In this sense, and I am very conscious your construction project will continue.  As you know, I have frequently resorted to the analogy of the house that is being built in Somalia. The federal members states as the foundation stones.  The constitution, its walls. And the electoral system, its roof. 

For 2016, you will have agreed, in the Mogadishu Declaration, that you will have an adequate roof. It is not going to be a patchwork of different materials. It should be strong enough to withstand the wind and rain that may be coming your way. 

Much work remains.  But you, the leaders, have shown courage and wisdom and taken a step forward. I salute your statesmanship. Those who have made the toughest decisions have shown the greatest leadership. 

As you know, I will be leaving Somalia before 10 January.  Allow me to say that I wish for nothing more than for Somalis to build the strongest, most beautiful, and most comfortable house possible.  I look forward to coming back and staying with you as a guest. 

Thank you very much.