Somaliland President Meets Electoral Body, Political Parties Over Election Delay

Somaliland, 2 February 2026 President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mahamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ held a meeting with Electoral Commission officials and leadership of three main political parties to discuss the 10-month postponement of parliamentary and local elections, initially scheduled for 31st May, due to security and logistical challenges.

The meeting also focused on strengthening political cooperation and agreeing on the optimal timing and conditions for holding the elections. President Irro explained the security challenges and widespread droughts affecting various regions, which has made holding the elections as initially planned impossible.

The Electoral Commission supported Irro's sentiments citing technical and security concerns. The Commission also mentioned the ongoing drought, which has negatively impacted populations and livestock, and disagreements among the political parties regarding voter registration methods as other challenges. The challenges, the poll body added, had led to the extension of voter registration exercise for 10 months, starting 31st May.