Somalia’s Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) has postponed the scheduled elections for the Galmudug State Parliament and local councils, as well as the Banaadir Regional Council elections, citing the need to allow political stakeholders additional time to complete preparations.
Wararka Soomaaliya
The commission announced the decision in a statement following consultations with political organisations and a review of requests and recommendations concerning the readiness of candidates, electoral procedures and logistical arrangements.
According to the commission, elections for Galmudug’s Local Councils and House of Representatives, initially scheduled for July 20, 2026, will now be held on July 25, 2026. The five-day extension is intended to provide political stakeholders with sufficient time to finalise preparations ahead of the polls.
“The revised timetable reflects consultations with political organisations and an assessment of the level of preparedness for the upcoming elections,” the commission said in its statement. “The adjustment is aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately prepared to participate in a credible electoral process.”
Faahfaahinta
The commission also announced that it had revised the timetable for the Banaadir Regional Council elections after receiving requests from political organisations and reviewing the readiness of candidates and election management procedures.
Although the commission did not immediately publish a new date for the Banaadir vote, it said the revised schedule would allow electoral officials to complete outstanding administrative and technical preparations while giving contestants more time to meet the required procedures.
The announcement comes as Somalia continues implementing electoral reforms aimed at expanding democratic participation and strengthening local governance. Authorities have repeatedly stated that credible local elections are a key step towards consolidating the country’s federal system and increasing public confidence in democratic institutions.
Saamaynta
Election officials maintained that the postponement should not be interpreted as a setback but rather as a measure intended to improve the quality and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
“We remain committed to conducting elections that are free, transparent, inclusive and peaceful, in accordance with the Constitution and the country’s electoral laws,” the commission said.
The commission urged Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation to accelerate civic education and training programmes for members of local councils to ensure they are fully prepared to assume their responsibilities after the elections.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
