Somalia’s electoral commission announced on Thursday that the country will hold its next presidential election on May 15, 2027, following months of political disputes over constitutional amendments and the extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term.
The commission also scheduled parliamentary elections for April 15, 2027, covering both the lower and upper houses of parliament.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, announced the timetable during a broadcast on state television.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between the federal government and opposition groups over changes to Somalia’s constitution.
Mohamud’s presidential mandate was originally scheduled to expire in May 2026. However, lawmakers approved constitutional amendments in March that provided for a potential one-year extension, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who questioned the legitimacy of the changes.
Opposition groups have accused the government of attempting to prolong its hold on power and have called for broader political consultations before elections proceed.
The announcement also comes as Somalia continues to confront significant security challenges, particularly the insurgency waged by Al Shabaab, an armed group affiliated with Al Qaeda.
Despite military operations supported by African Union forces, Al Shabaab maintains control over extensive rural territories and continues to carry out attacks against government forces and civilian centres.
The group has been fighting Somalia’s central government for nearly two decades, complicating efforts to establish stable governance and expand state authority beyond major cities.
The electoral timetable represents a significant step in Somalia’s political transition, although disagreements over constitutional reforms and the electoral framework continue to raise questions about whether the elections can proceed as scheduled.
Opposition leaders have rejected the newly announced timetable, arguing that a credible electoral process requires broader political agreement.
