MOGADISHU — The Somali Future Council issued a stark warning on Monday regarding potential delays to the country’s upcoming federal elections, urgently pressing authorities to follow established constitutional timelines to prevent a recurrence of past political instability.
Fears of a Leadership Vacuum
In a formal press statement, the opposition coalition expressed “deep concern” over the potential for leadership vacuums or unconstitutional term extensions as the federal institutions’ current mandates rapidly approach their expiration dates.
According to the 2012 Provisional Constitution, the Federal Parliament’s term officially ends on April 14, 2026, while the President’s term is set to expire on May 15, 2026. The Somali Future Council stressed that conducting elections strictly within these legal periods is absolutely crucial to protecting Somalia’s constitutional order and averting a governance crisis.
The warning directly referenced the severe 2021 political crisis, a period when prolonged disputes over election delays and attempted term extensions led to violent clashes in the capital and an extended security standoff. These concerns echo recent fears raised by opposition lawmakers regarding heightened military deployments in Mogadishu.
A Call for Restraint and Compliance
“Somalia is at a critical juncture demanding responsible leadership, political patience, and legal respect,” the Council’s statement read. The group explicitly called on federal leaders, politicians, and all stakeholders to refrain from unilateral actions that could reignite violent tensions or threaten national security.
Furthermore, the Council urged Federal Member States to conduct their own regional elections in strict compliance with federal law, aiming to significantly enhance cooperation and stability among different levels of government. This plea arrives as several regional leaders continue to reject recent federal constitutional amendments.
As the critical May deadline rapidly approaches, international observers and domestic civil society organizations have intensified their pressure on the Somali government. They are collectively urging the administration to finalize and implement an electoral roadmap that guarantees a peaceful, transparent, and timely transfer of power.
