MOGADISHU (SD)— Opposition leaders in Somalia say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will lose legal authority after May 15, 2026, if national elections are not held or a constitutional alternative is not agreed upon.

In a series of statements, opposition politicians argued that the president’s constitutional term expires on that date. Without a completed electoral process or a legally sanctioned extension, they said, the head of state would no longer have a valid mandate and should be treated as an ordinary citizen.

The comments come amid intensifying disputes over the timing and model of Somalia’s next election. Opposition figures accuse the federal government of failing to organize timely, credible elections and warn that any unilateral extension of terms could trigger political instability and conflict.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not issued a direct response to the latest remarks. However, officials have previously reiterated their intention to move toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system, while acknowledging ongoing security and logistical challenges.

Political analysts caution that the widening rift between the government and opposition risks undermining stability if a consensus on the electoral process is not reached soon.

The situation is being closely watched by international partners, who have repeatedly urged Somali leaders to adhere to constitutional norms and avoid actions that could escalate tensions. Failure to resolve the dispute could push the country into a new period of political uncertainty, with potential consequences for security, economic recovery, and state-building efforts.

The opposition is using the May 15 deadline to challenge the legitimacy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arguing his authority ends without elections or a constitutional extension. This puts pressure on the Federal Government of Somalia but also raises the risk of a legitimacy crisis.

The core issue isn’t just timing—it’s whether all sides can agree on how elections should be conducted. If no compromise is reached, Somalia could face political instability, with competing claims to power and potential security consequences.