MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEBC) has announced the official timetable for local council and regional assembly elections in the Hirshabelle state, setting August 20, 2026, as polling day.
Under the schedule released by the commission, the electoral process will begin on August 5 with voter registration and the distribution of voter identification documents.
The timetable includes the designation and publication of polling stations, submission of preliminary voter lists, accreditation of political association representatives at polling centers, verification of candidate lists and the publication of the final list of candidates representing registered political associations.
The commission said the timetable forms part of its broader plan to implement Somalia’s one-person, one-vote electoral system across the country’s federal member states.
It called on political associations, candidates and all stakeholders to comply with the electoral calendar and established procedures to help ensure a transparent and credible vote.
According to the commission, preparations for the Hirshabelle elections will move into full implementation after the completion of the ongoing elections in the neighboring federal member state of Galmudug.
