Somalia sets parliamentary and presidential elections for 2027

Somalia

Elections for both chambers of parliament are set for Apr 15, 2027, followed by a presidential vote on May 15, the electoral commission announced on Thursday.

Background

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term ended earlier this year, but his government declared a transition period in May through a constitutional amendment the opposition boycotted and rejects.

The government called the dates an important stage for democracy, while former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo called them a dangerous threat to Somalia's statehood.

Mohamud wants party-based elections to replace a system built on clan elders, which critics call a power grab. Al-Shabab, an armed group, still holds territory in parts of southern and central Somalia.