Tuesday October 20, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) —Somali Future Council on Monday rejected the federal government's 2027 election timetable, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of taking unilateral decisions that threaten national unity and the federal system.
In a statement, the opposition coalition said the schedule for elections to both houses of the Federal Parliament and the presidency had been announced without an inclusive political agreement among Somalia's key stakeholders.
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“This schedule was issued under the direction of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, without reaching an inclusive political agreement on an electoral process to be implemented in the country,” the council said.
The coalition called for the immediate resumption of political negotiations and urged the federal government and opposition leaders to agree on an electoral framework and timetable acceptable to all sides.
It also called on international partners to support mediation efforts aimed at resolving the country's political impasse.
The council warned that Somalia faces multiple challenges, including threats from al-Shabab and ISIS, potential El Niño-related flooding, climate-driven droughts and intensifying regional rivalries.
It said those challenges made political cooperation and unified leadership more important, warning that continued disagreements could undermine state-building efforts and deepen divisions within Somali society.
“We remained ready to participate in genuine negotiations aimed at reaching an inclusive political agreement covering the electoral process and a realistic election timetable,” they added.
However, it warned that if Hassan Sheikh continued what it described as unilateral decisions, the coalition would pursue further constitutional and political measures to protect the public's rights and the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The council said no individual or political group should determine Somalia's political future without consulting other stakeholders.
“Hassan Sheikh and those supporting the disputed electoral process would bear responsibility for any consequences arising from their decisions,” they noted.
The coalition urged Somalis to peacefully oppose measures it described as unconstitutional and harmful to national unity, federalism and state-building.
It also appealed to international partners to encourage dialogue, accountability and a negotiated political settlement.
The statement follows the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's announcement that elections for both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament will take place on April 15, 2027, followed by a presidential election on May 15.
The commission said the timetable was established under Somalia's Constitution and electoral laws.
However, Puntland, Jubbaland and several opposition groups have rejected the revised constitutional framework and called for a negotiated agreement before national elections proceed.