Somalia will hold its next presidential election on May 15, 2027, the country’s electoral commission announced on Thursday.
Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, chairperson of the electoral commission, announced the date on state television. He also confirmed that elections for both chambers of parliament will take place on April 15, 2027.
The announcement comes amid political tensions over constitutional changes that could extend President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s time in office.
Constitutional Changes Draw Opposition Criticism
Mohamud’s presidential term was due to end in May 2026. However, lawmakers approved constitutional changes in March that could extend his term by one year.
The move drew criticism from opposition groups, raising questions about the country’s political transition and electoral process.
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The newly announced schedule sets parliamentary elections one month before the presidential vote. However, the announcement alone does not resolve the wider political disagreements surrounding the constitutional changes.
Security Challenges Remain
Meanwhile, Somalia continues to face a prolonged security challenge from al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked militant group that has fought the central government for about two decades.
Somali forces, supported by an African Union peacekeeping mission, have pushed the militants back in several areas. Nevertheless, al Shabaab still controls large parts of the countryside and continues to carry out attacks on major population centres.
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The security situation remains an important challenge as Somalia prepares for its parliamentary and presidential elections in 2027.
