Somalia’s Parliament Prolongs Session to Accelerate Election Legislation Ahead of 2026 Elections

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers’ recess in order to address urgent election legislation.

Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year.

In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require the Legislature’s approval. “The Somali populace is counting on us in this chamber. This isn’t about individual agendas; it’s about forging a brighter future for our youth,” he asserted passionately.

The National Consultative Council (NCC), a compact approved on Wednesday by President Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the mayor of Mogadishu, and three regional leaders, has laid out a framework for elections. According to this roadmap, local, regional, and municipal elections are scheduled for June 2025, while parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in September 2025. The NCC also advocates for the establishment of a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the elections.

Despite advancements like universal suffrage initiatives, the NCC’s timeline has faced pushback from certain opposition groups. Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe are among those expressing concerns about the election timetable, which adds a layer of tension to the ongoing discussions.

The extension of Parliament’s session is crucial for addressing these pivotal issues, ensuring the legislative framework supports the NCC’s roadmap, and reinforcing Somalia’s dedication to conducting transparent and timely elections.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring