Somalia sets April 15, 2027, for Parliamentary and May 15, 2027, for presidential elections

Somalia sets April 15, 2027, for Parliamentary and May 15, 2027, for presidential elections - Parliament of Somalia. Pic Handout.

The parliamentary elections will take place on April 15, 2027, in accordance with Article 18(2) of the National Electoral Law, which provides for elections to be held 180 days before the end of the parliamentary term.

Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced April 15 and May 15, 2027, as the dates for parliamentary and presidential elections, setting out a timetable for the electoral process.

In a statement dated October 15, 2026, the commission said it prepared the schedule in line with the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the National Electoral Law, which set the timing for parliamentary and presidential elections.

The parliamentary elections will take place on April 15, 2027, in accordance with Article 18(2) of the National Electoral Law, which provides for elections to be held 180 days before the end of the parliamentary term.

The presidential election will follow on May 15, 2027, in accordance with Article 112 of the Provisional Constitution, which sets the president’s term at five years from the date of inauguration.

The commission also released dates for activities leading up to the elections, including the review of regulations governing political parties and candidate registration, the submission of parliamentary candidate lists, the registration of presidential candidates and the campaign periods.

The review of regulations governing political parties and candidate registration is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026, and run for 21 days, with the commission saying the process would involve public consultation.

Latest Stories

  • African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
  • Nominated Senator Crystal Asige joins Winnie Odinga and Jalang’o in Nairobi Senate race
  • Tusker FC suffer home defeat as Singida strike puts CAF Confederation Cup hopes at risk
  • Ecuadorian priest dies after giant wooden crucifix crashes down on him during live-streamed Mass

Political parties and other relevant stakeholders are expected to submit candidate lists for Parliament on November 22, 2026, 120 days before the parliamentary elections, as provided for under Article 42(1) of the National Electoral Law.

The registration of presidential candidates is scheduled for January 21, 2027, in line with Article 34(1) of the law, which requires candidates to be registered 60 days before the election.

Campaigns for the parliamentary elections will begin on February 27, 2027, 45 days before polling day, in accordance with Article 45(2) of the National Electoral Law.

The presidential campaign period is scheduled to begin on March 15, 2027, 30 days before the presidential election, as provided for under Article 34(2) of the law.

The commission said the timetable had been drawn up in accordance with its constitutional mandate and the legal provisions governing elections in Somalia.

In the statement, the commission said the activities would be carried out “in accordance with the country's electoral laws and regulations” as it outlined the dates leading to the two elections.