Somalia Extends Presidential Term & Delays 2026 Elections

Somalia’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five, delaying the country’s next elections by one year.

The decision was passed during a joint session of both chambers, marking a major political development in Somalia politics as the country continues efforts to stabilize its governance system.

A total of 222 lawmakers out of 329 members voted in favor of the constitutional amendment, according to parliamentary officials. The change extends the presidential term and parliamentary term and postpones elections that were previously expected to take place in 2026 elections.

• Somalia parliament extends presidential term to five years
• Constitutional amendment delays Somalia’s 2026 elections
• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud backs reform amid opposition criticism

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step in Somalia’s long-running constitutional reform process. Speaking after the vote, he said the changes were part of efforts to finalize a constitutional framework that has been under discussion for years.

The revised constitution outlines several elements of Somalia’s governance structure. Under the new framework, members of parliament will be elected directly by citizens, while the president will continue to be chosen by parliament. The prime minister will be appointed by the president but can be removed through a parliamentary vote, shaping the future of Somalia governance.

Somalia has been working on constitutional reforms for more than a decade. The country adopted a provisional constitution in 2012 during its post-conflict transition, and lawmakers have since debated amendments aimed at clarifying the powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary while strengthening oversight of government institutions.

The latest amendment has drawn criticism from Somalia opposition leaders, including former presidents and prime ministers, who argue that elections should proceed as originally scheduled in May. Critics say extending the terms could increase political tensions in Somalia, a country already dealing with fragile institutions and security threats.

Somalia has faced decades of instability since the collapse of its central government in 1991. Although an African Union peacekeeping mission has helped government forces regain territory from the militant group al-Shabaab, the al-Shabaab insurgency continues to control parts of rural Somalia and carry out attacks in major cities.

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Observers say the constitutional changes will influence Somalia political reforms as the government seeks to strengthen state institutions and expand public participation in elections.