Somalia’s disputed Elections Commission has announced the start of registration for political organisations, as disagreements between the Federal Government and opposition continue over the country’s electoral process.
The announcement comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited opposition figures to participate in national consultations scheduled to take place in Mogadishu from November 14 to 18, 2026.
The commission said registration of political organisations will remain open for 21 days, ending on November 22, 2026.
According to the electoral timetable previously announced by the commission, elections for both Houses of Parliament are scheduled for April 15, 2027, while the presidential election is set for May 15, 2027.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for national consultations to discuss federal elections and the ongoing political disagreements between the government and opposition.
However, opposition groups continue to reject the electoral process being pursued by the commission. They maintain that an agreement must first be reached on electoral arrangements and constitutional amendments before electoral procedures move forward.
The start of political party registration and the planned national consultations come as the two sides remain divided over the electoral process.
The question remains whether the planned talks will produce an agreement between the Federal Government and opposition on the country’s electoral framework and timetable.
