By Asha Elmi - Reporter
SOMALIA, 18 May 2026 – Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said on Sunday it was awaiting a Supreme Court ruling before proceeding with the leadership election for the South West State House of Representatives.
In a statement, the commission said it had previously scheduled the election for the speaker of the South West State House of Representatives for May 18.
However, NIEBC said the process remains pending until Somalia’s Supreme Court issues a decision approving the election results, as required under the country’s electoral law.
The commission cited Article 7, Paragraph 1(f) of the electoral law, saying the court’s approval is necessary before the results can be formally confirmed.
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NIEBC said that once the ruling is issued, it is prepared to proceed with responsibilities outlined under Article 67, Paragraph 2 of the law, including announcing the final list of elected lawmakers and continuing the parliamentary leadership election process.
The commission said it remained committed to safeguarding the integrity, transparency and completion of the electoral process in accordance with Somalia’s constitution and electoral laws.
The South West electoral process forms part of Somalia’s broader push toward one-person, one-vote elections amid continuing political debate over constitutional reforms and electoral arrangements.