Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Hargeisa (ANN) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has convened a high-level consultative meeting with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and leaders of the three national political parties — WADDANI, KAAH, and KULMIYE — to review the timetable for the parliamentary and local council elections currently scheduled for 31 May 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the NEC informed the meeting that conducting the elections on the scheduled date is not technically feasible. The Commission cited a number of major challenges, including technical constraints, security concerns, and humanitarian pressures, particularly the impact of the ongoing drought affecting parts of the country.
The NEC further explained that disagreements related to voter registration procedures have also contributed to delays in preparations.
To overcome these challenges, the Commission requested a 10-month extension beyond the original election date. The additional period would be used to complete voter registration, upgrade electoral equipment, and finalize all logistical and administrative preparations required for credible elections.
During the meeting, political parties expressed differing positions regarding the proposed postponement.
KAAH Party voiced opposition to delaying the elections.
WADDANI and KULMIYE expressed support for the NEC’s technical assessment andrecommendations.
President Cirro emphasized the importance of national unity, dialogue, and institutional cooperation during the consultation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully finance the electoral process, stressing that the ultimate objective is to ensure elections that are inclusive, transparent, credible, and peaceful.
The consultative process is expected to continue as stakeholders work toward a consensus on the electoral roadmap amid ongoing national challenges.
Araweelo News Network – Monitoring Regional Developments
Araweelo News Network (Associated Online Agencies).
By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @araweelonews to get the Latest news headlines from the horn of Africa, Somaliland, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, and Ethiopia. News, Political, Commentary, Features, Social Affairs, Culture, Health & Education and Human Rights issues.updates regularly. Subscribe to @AraweeloTv/videosYouTube channel AraweeloTv To share information or for submission, send e-mail to e-mail info@araweelonews.com
www.araweelonews.com
www.araweelonews.net
www.araweelonews.com/archi/