Electoral Commission Sets May 10 for Southwest State Local Council Elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission has rescheduled local council elections in Southwest State of Somalia to Sunday, May 10, 2026, while extending the deadline for political organizations to submit candidate lists to Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
In a press statement, the commission said the changes followed requests from political organizations, consultations with stakeholders, and an assessment aimed at ensuring the polls are conducted in a transparent, lawful, and inclusive manner.
The candidate submission deadline had previously been set for April 25, while the elections were initially scheduled for April 28.
The commission urged political organizations to use the additional time to complete nomination procedures and ensure broader participation, particularly the inclusion of women and marginalized communities.
It added that the postponement would not undermine the integrity of the electoral process, but instead forms part of wider efforts to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The announcement comes at a key stage in preparations for the local council vote, with the commission pledging to intensify public awareness campaigns and fast-track remaining electoral preparations.