The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has embarked on a countrywide series of training workshops for local journalists on the forthcoming electoral process in Somalia.

The first of the two-day workshops ended in Mogadishu today. Similar trainings are scheduled to be carried out in Baidoa, Kismaayo, Cadaado, Belet Weyne and Garowe.

UNSOM spokesperson Joseph Contreras described the 2016 electoral process as one of the most complicated elections in recent years and said  the workshops are designed to help explain the unique process.

The spokesperson said the United Nations views this year’s electoral process as a vital stepping stone towards one-person, one-vote elections in 2020 and a major improvement over the process held in Somalia in 2012.

Topics addressed during the inaugural training included tips and techniques for covering the electoral process, the electoral calendar, the UN role in the process and a draft code of conduct for journalists.

Contreras said the UN is providing logistical and technical support and political expertise to the Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) and the State Indirect Electoral Implementation Teams (SIEITs) at their request to facilitate implementation of the electoral process.

Some of the participating journalists discussed the challenges they expect to face in covering the electoral process.

Bishara Abdirasahid Ahmed asked about a central location where media personnel could obtain information when the voting for members of parliament and the president commences.

“Personally, I expect to learn how to report on elections since I will be involved. Some of the challenges relate to who will give information to journalists and who has the final decision on the electoral process,” Bishara said.

“I was involved in the 2012 process and I expect this year’s to be different,” said journalist Muna Mohamed Gedi “Since it will happen in many towns other than Mogadishu, the media must have capacity to report on the process.”

In contrast to the 2012 electoral process, this year’s voting will involve many more Somalis and take place in regional and state capitals as well as Mogadishu.

“The forthcoming process will involve Somalis of all walks of life and sectors,” journalist Farrah Abdi Warsame observed.

He added that since the electoral process will be carried in all of the six states of Somalia, many expect the members of the next parliament will be more representative and of a higher caliber.

The training is being organized by the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Group of UNSOM with the support of consultants to equip journalists with the needed skills to report on the electoral process.