The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) today officially released the full schedule for the country’s regional elections in 2026, with the first elections set to begin in the South West State this May.
According to the commission’s schedule, the South West State will be the first state to hold elections, with local council and parliamentary elections scheduled for May 10, while the parliamentary speaker election is scheduled for May 18, and the presidential election for the state will be held on May 23, 2026.
The Hirshabelle state will hold its elections from June 20 to July 9, while Galmudug will be held during the same period.
Similarly, the Banadir region is scheduled to hold elections for the capital city council on July 30, while the mayor and deputy mayors will be elected on August 5, 2026.
The schedule also notes that the Northeastern regions and Gedo region of Jubbaland will hold local council elections on July 30.
The Electoral Commission said that detailed rules, procedures and technical instructions will be issued soon to manage all stages of the election. The commission also promised continuous awareness-raising, information sharing and training for various stakeholders.
The commission stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, impartiality and maintaining electoral ethics, in order to build public trust.
Finally, the committee called on political parties, candidates, government agencies, regional administrations and the Somali people in general to fully comply with this schedule and the procedures to be issued, in order to ensure free, transparent, safe and credible elections.
National Electoral Commission announces the schedule for the elections of the regional states
National Electoral Commission announces the schedule for the elections of the regional states.
