The Independent Boundaries and Election Commission in Somalia announced on Sunday that the parliamentary elections in Southwest State, which were scheduled for May 18, 2026, have been postponed. The statement released by the Election Commission cited the pending decision of the Supreme Court regarding the approval of election results. According to the Commission, the Supreme Court has the power to review the submitted results in accordance with election laws. The statement also mentioned that although the election timetable had been previously announced, the Commission is waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure transparency and legality in the election process. Once the response from the Supreme Court is received, the Commission will continue with its election duties, including announcing the timetable for hearing elected members and forming the leadership of the parliament in Southwest State. This postponement of elections comes at a time when Somalia is facing political disputes and questioning the legitimacy of constitutional institutions. However, the Supreme Court of Somalia has stated that it has not yet received any election results from Southwest State. In a statement released by the information and public relations department of the Supreme Court on May 18, 2026, it was clarified that no election results from Southwest State have been submitted. The Supreme Court did not provide any reasons for not receiving the results, but the statement was in response to another statement issued by the Election Commission in Somalia, which announced the delay of parliamentary elections in Southwest State. This delay and the ongoing dispute over election results have raised concerns and doubts about the election process. Opposition groups in Southwest State have strongly rejected the preliminary results announced by Somalia’s Election Commission, accusing the Somali Federal Government of interfering in the election process to ensure the victory of the ruling JSP party. The opposition argues that the announced results, which give the government 51% of the total votes counted, will secure a majority of seats in the parliament and local council. They also believe that no one will challenge Adam Madobe in the upcoming presidential polls.
