Somalia’s electoral body has announced an official timetable for the upcoming national elections, setting parliamentary polls for April 15 and the presidential election for May 15, 2027.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said the schedule covers elections for both houses of parliament and the presidency, in line with the country’s constitution and national electoral law.
The announcement comes amid a prolonged standoff between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government and opposition leaders over constitutional amendments, the presidential mandate and plans to introduce a direct voting system.
Opposition groups have argued that the proposed timetable was drawn up without an inclusive political agreement.
They have also boycotted parliamentary procedures on constitutional amendments and rejected changes they say cannot legitimately provide the basis for the government’s mandate or setting a new election schedule.
Mohamud, who took office in 2022, has defended the constitutional changes approved by parliament earlier this year, arguing they provide a legal basis for an additional one year in office and establish a framework for direct elections.
The electoral body also released a schedule of preparatory milestones leading up to the vote, beginning with a 21-day review of regulations governing political parties and candidate registration on November 1.
It also noted that this initial phase will include extensive public consultations before candidate submissions and campaign periods begin.
Under the schedule, political parties and relevant stakeholders are required to submit their parliamentary candidate lists by November 22, four months ahead of the vote.
Presidential candidate registration is set for January 21, 2027, fulfilling Article 34(1) of the National Electoral Law, which mandates a 60-day window prior to the vote.
Meanwhile, parliamentary campaigns will start on February 27, 2027, while the presidential campaign period is slated to begin on March 15, 2027, exactly 30 days ahead of the election.
AP
