By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Mogadishu, 1 September 2026 Somalia's electoral commission has set Sept. 30 for direct elections for local councils and state assemblies in Galmudug and Hirshabelle.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced separate timetables Monday.
In Galmudug, the process begins Sept. 10 with designation of polling centres. Political parties will announce candidates Sept. 20, submit polling-centre representatives Sept. 22 and accredit representatives and observers Sept. 26.
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In Hirshabelle, the process begins Sept. 2 with publication of a preliminary voter register. Next steps include identifying polling centres, registering voters, distributing voter cards and reviewing candidate lists, culminating in announcement of candidates Sept. 22.
Campaigning in both states ends Sept. 28.
Voters in Galmudug and Hirshabelle will go to the polls Sept. 30, the commission said.