Somalia, 2 October 2025 – For the first time, the Federal Government of Somalia has allocated a dedicated budget for the 2026 elections, integrating it into the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The decision was announced on Wednesday during a two-day consultative workshop in Mogadishu focused on the 2026 budget framework.
The meeting brought together government officials, economic stakeholders, civil society representatives, and financial experts to discuss aligning national political goals with fiscal planning ahead of parliamentary approval.
Ahmed Abdi Aden, Director General of the Ministry of Finance, said the 2026 budget represents a significant departure from previous years by explicitly linking government policy priorities with resource allocation.
“Politics and the economy must be interconnected. There will be no allocations without political objectives. Every goal the government sets must be reflected in the 2026 budget,” Aden said.
According to the Ministry’s 2026 Budget Strategy, the overall budget is projected at $1.33 billion, but has a deficit of $143 million.
Officials noted that external financing, loans, or alternative revenue sources will be pursued to bridge the shortfall. For the first time, the plan includes a specific allocation for election-related expenses.
“Organizing elections is a constitutional responsibility of the government. Therefore, election funding is now formally included in the national budget,” Aden added.
He however did not disclose the amount the federal government plans to allocate to the planned elections.
The Ministry emphasized that aligning political priorities with fiscal planning is vital to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective delivery of services within a clearly defined framework.