Somalia's National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) has released the official timetable for the country's next national elections, announcing that parliamentary elections will be held on April 15, 2027, followed by the presidential election on May 15, 2027.

In a statement, the commission said the electoral calendar was prepared in accordance with Somalia's Constitution and the National Elections Law and covers elections for both houses of parliament as well as the presidency.

The commission also published a roadmap outlining the preparatory phases leading up to the electoral process. The first stage, beginning on November 1, will include a 21-day public review of regulations governing the registration of political parties and election candidates before the formal nomination process begins.

According to the commission, the review period is intended to allow broad public consultations and stakeholder participation before candidate registration and election campaigning officially commence.

Candidate registration process

Under the timetable, political parties and relevant stakeholders must submit parliamentary candidate lists by November 22, approximately four months before the parliamentary elections.

Registration for presidential candidates will begin on January 21, 2027, in line with the National Elections Law, which requires the process to start 60 days before the presidential vote.

The commission said the electoral process is intended to ensure an orderly transition and strengthen Somalia's democratic institutions through a transparent and inclusive voting process.

Toward universal suffrage

If implemented as scheduled, the elections will mark another step in Somalia's efforts to restore one-person, one-vote elections after decades of indirect voting systems based on clan representation.

Somalia last held nationwide direct elections based on universal suffrage in March 1969, shortly before the government was overthrown in a bloodless military coup later that year. Since then, the country has largely relied on indirect electoral processes involving clan elders and delegates.

The federal government has repeatedly stated that expanding direct elections remains one of its key political reform priorities despite continuing security and logistical challenges in parts of the country.(ILKHA)