Somalia electoral commission delays Galmudug and Banadir election timelines

Monday July 6, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission has postponed the schedule for Galmudug Regional State Council and House of Representatives elections, as well as the election of local council commissioners in Banadir region.

In a statement Sunday, the commission said the decision followed consultations with political parties and took into account requests submitted to the commission, as well as the need to complete election preparations.

The commission said the Galmudug Regional Council and House of Representatives elections, originally scheduled for July 20, have been moved to July 25, 2026.

It said the delay would allow more time to complete technical and administrative preparations for the vote.

The commission also said the schedule for electing local council commissioners in Banadir districts would be reviewed after assessing preparations and the outcome of consultations with political parties.

The commission called on political organizations to submit their candidate lists as soon as possible to help speed up the process.

It also asked the Ministry of Interior to accelerate training and public awareness for newly elected local council members so they are prepared to carry out their duties.

The electoral commission urged all stakeholders to continue cooperating to ensure the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law.