Somali Future Council Cites Constitutional Deadlines as Parliament and Presidency Near Mandate Expiry.
April 14. May 15. Two dates that could define Somalia’s next chapter.
Somalia’s opposition-aligned Somali Future Council on Monday warned federal leaders against delaying national elections, citing looming constitutional deadlines and the risk of renewed political turmoil.
In a statement, the council said the current Federal Parliament’s term under the 2012 provisional constitution ends on April 14, 2026, while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate expires on May 15, 2026. It urged authorities to hold elections on time to preserve constitutional order and prevent disputes.
“Somalia must avoid actions that could lead to electoral delays or political disputes,” the council said, calling on federal institutions, political actors and other stakeholders to respect the constitution and uphold the governance framework.
The warning comes amid heightened political debate following the president’s recent signing of a revised federal constitution into law after parliamentary approval. The amendments set five-year terms for federal institutions, replacing the four-year limit established under the 2012 provisional charter.
Government officials have described the constitutional changes as part of a long-delayed reform process aimed at clarifying institutional mandates and strengthening governance. Opposition figures, including members of the Somali Future Council, argue that the amendments were adopted without sufficient national consensus and could affect the electoral timetable.
The council referenced the 2021 political crisis, when a dispute over a proposed term extension led to armed tensions in Mogadishu and deepened divisions between federal authorities and opposition groups. It warned against repeating what it described as “past mistakes” that undermined stability.
The statement also urged federal member states to conduct their own elections in line with constitutional principles and the federal framework, saying this would reinforce cooperation and trust between different levels of government.
With key mandates nearing expiration, Somalia faces a narrow political window. Whether leaders can navigate constitutional reform while maintaining broad consensus may determine whether the country moves toward orderly elections — or another period of uncertainty.
