HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The Somaliland House of Elders on Tuesday approved a 27-month extension for the House of Representatives of Somaliland and local councils, effectively postponing elections that had been scheduled for May 2026.
The decision was passed unanimously during the 90th session of the upper chamber, chaired by Speaker Suleiman Mohamoud Adan.
Under the resolution, the elections for the House of Representatives and municipal councils will be delayed by up to two years, amid concerns over readiness and logistical challenges.
Election Body Request Cited
The extension follows a recent request by the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, which asked for an additional 10 months to address technical and operational obstacles hindering preparations for the polls.
Officials said the delay is intended to ensure credible and well-organized elections, though the move has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
Opposition, Civil Society React
The opposition KAAH Political Party criticized the extension, describing it as detrimental to the country’s democratic process.
In a statement, party chairman Mahmoud Hashi Abdi said the postponement was the result of prolonged political disagreements and shifting positions among key stakeholders, including the ruling Waddani Party and opposition Kulmiye Party.
He argued that disputes over voter registration systems had delayed consensus, ultimately leading to the extension. However, he added that the Guurti (Senate) itself should not be held responsible, as it acted on proposals submitted without prior political agreement.
KAAH reiterated its position that a comprehensive new voter registration system is essential for holding free and fair elections.
Silence from Key Stakeholders
As of Tuesday, neither the ruling Waddani party nor the Kulmiye opposition had issued official responses to the Guurti’s (Senate) decision.
Political Implications
The extension underscores ongoing challenges in Somaliland’s electoral process, particularly around voter registration and political consensus, raising concerns among analysts and civil society groups about the impact on democratic timelines.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
