A/HRC/33/64 A. State-building and status of Mogadishu 16. The status of Mogadishu as a separate State has yet to be determined. Before the collapse of the Siad Barre regime, Mogadishu, the national capital, was also known for being multi-clan city. Owing precisely to its role as the federal capital, its substantial contribution to the economy of the federal State, its complex clan structure and the fact that it is now claimed by the Banadir clan, the status of Mogadishu is today one of the most contentious issues of the constitutional review process. The Independent Expert was informed that the State-building process was ongoing. Besides the regional States that already exist, there are plans to form the State of Hiraan/Middle Shabelle, which are now being finalized.2 B. Electoral process 17. The Independent Expert was informed by the Speaker of the Federal Parliament that it had spearheaded the formation of the National Leadership Forum with the purpose of improving engagement with the international community. The Forum had the responsibility to commit the State to the rule of law and to present a unified message about the future of Somalia. The Speaker urged the international community to give its support during the period leading up to the elections. The electoral model that was proposed for Somalia would be based on transparency, anti-corruption measures and fairness, to ensure broad participation. He stated that, although the Federal States had been consulted on the prospect of holding elections based on universal suffrage, in his view it would not be possible. 18. With regard to the right of women to participate in the forthcoming elections in 2016, the Speaker stated that it was necessary to change public attitudes towards the participation of women, and suggested that temporary special measures, such as quotas in governance structures, be adopted in favour of women, minorities, young people and persons with disabilities. During his meeting with civil society organizations, however, the Independent Expert heard representatives of women, persons with disabilities and youth complain about restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion, the ongoing insecurity and poor relations between the Government and civil society. They complained about the very restrictive operating environment, reporting how they adopted a low profile when engaging with government authorities. The organizations had requested support from the international community for their participation in the upcoming elections 2016, to help to prevent their exclusion, as was the case in 2012. They reiterated the lack of financial and logistical support to operate, and the need for election monitoring training. Their freedom of movement had been restricted by insecurity and threats. Civil society organizations held the belief that the electoral model that allows only traditional elders to elect the President and members of Parliament was not representative enough, and lacked legitimacy. Representatives of persons with disabilities stated that they did not receive any support from the Government or the international community. Some youths stated that, when they expressed critical views, they were either branded as members of Al-Shabaab or ostracized. IV. National development plan 19. The adoption of the national development plan by the Federal Government for the period from January 2017 to December 2019 is a positive development. The 2 6 According to article 49(6) of the provisional Constitution of the Federal State of Somalia (2012), two or more States may agree to form a federal Sate within the federation.