Mogadishu Somalia
Somalia has announced parliamentary elections for April 15, 2027, followed by a presidential vote on May 15, establishing a timetable for a transition amid deep political divisions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term expired earlier this year, and his administration declared a transition period while pursuing constitutional changes to move the country toward direct democratic elections. Opposition parties and regional leaders have challenged the process, arguing that the reforms extend presidential power and undermine political consensus. The opposition boycotted the parliamentary vote that approved the constitutional amendments. Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab’s control over significant territory presents a major obstacle to organizing nationwide elections. The timetable gives electoral authorities a framework to prepare, but its credibility will depend on resolving disputes, ensuring security, and securing broad participation.