MOGADISHU — Somalia’s main opposition coalition, the Somali Future Council, has strongly rejected any efforts to extend the terms of the federal parliament or the presidency beyond dates outlined in the 2012 Provisional Constitution.
In a statement released on Monday, the group said the parliamentary term is due to end on April 14, 2026, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate is scheduled to conclude on May 15, 2026.
The council warned that extending those terms could undermine the constitutional order and fuel political tensions at a time when the Horn of African nation seeks to stabilise and strengthen its institutions.
The opposition’s statement called on federal and regional leaders “to respect the constitution, hold timely elections, and avoid unilateral actions that could trigger political tension or threaten the country’s stability and state-building process.”
The warning comes amid an ongoing national debate over Somalia’s political calendar. On Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud approved and signed into law a new federal constitution that, among other changes, alters the length of official terms and introduces provisions for more direct elections.
While President Mohamud and his supporters say the updated constitution will provide clearer governance arrangements and help move the country forward, critics — including lawmakers, regional administrations, and civil society — have raised concerns about the process and timing.
Some federal member states, such as Puntland and Jubaland, have also expressed reservations, saying the new charter was adopted without adequate consultation and could centralise power in Mogadishu.
Opposition figures fear that any delay in elections or extension of mandates without broad political agreement may deepen divisions and set back efforts to build lasting peace and democratic governance in Somalia.
Somalia has faced repeated delays in holding elections since 2016, with political disagreements often spilling into public protests and diplomatic tension.
As the 2026 constitutional deadlines approach, analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether political leaders can find consensus or risk renewed instability.
