By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa — The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Somaliland has postponed the Parliamentary and Local Council elections, which were originally scheduled for 31 May 2026.
In a statement released on 31 January 2026, the Commission explained that the decision follows a thorough legal, technical, and security review conducted in accordance with the General Election and Voter Registration Law (Law No. 91/2023).
Key factors cited for the delay include widespread drought, security concerns in several regions, and protracted political disagreements regarding the voter registration framework.
The NEC indicated that the additional ten months—beginning 31 May 2026—will be used to finalize technical preparations for voter registration, enhance the accuracy of voter data, modernize registration equipment, and complete all arrangements necessary to ensure the elections comply with constitutional, legal, and international standards.
The Commission emphasized that the postponement aims to uphold the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Somaliland’s electoral process and to preserve public trust in the nation’s democratic institutions.
