Tuesday March 10, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council on Monday warned against any delay in upcoming national elections, citing constitutional deadlines and the risk of renewed political instability.
In a statement, the council said the term of the Federal Parliament under the 2012 provisional constitution ends on April 14, 2026, while the president’s mandate expires on May 15, 2026. It urged that elections be held on time to safeguard the constitutional order.
The group pointed to the 2021 political crisis, when a dispute over a proposed term extension triggered tensions and security unrest in Mogadishu, as a warning against repeating past mistakes.
The statement also called on federal member states to conduct their own elections in accordance with constitutional principles and the federal framework, saying this would help strengthen cooperation and trust between different levels of government.
The remarks come days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a revised federal constitution into law following parliamentary approval. The updated charter sets five-year terms for federal institutions, replacing the previous four-year limit under the 2012 provisional constitution.
Government officials have described the constitutional overhaul as a necessary step to complete Somalia’s long-delayed review process and clarify institutional mandates. Opposition figures, including members of the Somali Future Council, argue that the amendments were adopted without sufficient national consensus and could alter the political timetable.
The council said Somalia is at a “critical phase” that requires responsible leadership, political tolerance and adherence to the rule of law to prevent further instability.
