The National Independent Authority for Elections has completed its field deployment across various provinces, with 69 provincial coordinators now installed. This extensive setup shows the Authority's commitment to ensuring a full and accessible electoral process for the upcoming local elections. Mr. Saad Arrous Ashraf, head of the Independent Authority, personally supervised the installation of 40 provincial coordinators via videoconferencing on Tuesday, demonstrating direct oversight of the critical preparatory phase. This followed the initial installation of 29 coordinators on Monday, bringing the total number of deployed officials to the stated figure. The Independent Authority stated that "following the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 26-284, involving the convening of the electoral body to elect members of the Municipal and Provincial People’s Assemblies, and in accordance with the provisions of Order No. 21-01, which contains the Organic Law relating to the election system, the National Independent Authority for Elections informs all those wishing to run for the election of members of the Municipal and Provincial People’s Assemblies for Saturday, November 28, 2026, that the process of withdrawing the collective candidacy declaration file and individual signature subscription forms for the benefit of the list of candidates, shall be from the headquarters of the provincial coordinator of the Independent Authority." The Authority also specified that "those wishing to run must submit a declaration of depositing the list that meets the legally required conditions at the level of the headquarters of the provincial coordinator of the Independent Authority... Starting from Monday, August 31, 2026, from 08:00 AM until 16:30 PM." This detailed directive provides a clear roadmap for prospective candidates.
Candidacy Requirements Detailed
The National Independent Authority for Elections has stipulated that the withdrawal of the collective candidacy declaration file and individual signature subscription forms will occur at the headquarters of the provincial coordinator. This process will take place at the coordinator's office for the specific electoral district where the candidacy is being sought, ensuring that all necessary documents are handled locally and efficiently. This localized approach aims to streamline the initial stages of candidacy for all participants.
For the Municipal and Provincial People’s Assemblies, the Authority has outlined specific requirements for candidate lists, designed to ensure broad representation and capable governance. In districts with an odd number of seats, candidacy lists must propose a number of candidates exceeding the available seats by seven. This requirement ensures a sufficient pool of potential representatives. Conversely, in districts with an even number of seats, lists are required to include a number of candidates surpassing the seat count by six, maintaining a similar buffer for selection.
The Authority mandates that at least one-third of the candidates on each list must be women; failure to meet this key requirement will result in the rejection of the entire list, showing the commitment to gender representation. A minimum of half the nominations on a list must be allocated to individuals who will not exceed 40 full years of age on election day, promoting youth involvement in local governance. Additionally, at least one-third of the candidates presented on any list must possess a university educational level, emphasizing the importance of qualified and educated representatives. The Authority clarified that the condition for women's representation is not applicable in municipalities where the population does not exceed 20,000 people, acknowledging the unique demographic characteristics of smaller communities. These full criteria aim to foster diverse, competent, and representative local assemblies.
Legal Framework and Election Timeline
Elections for members of the Municipal and Provincial People’s Assemblies are scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026. The National Independent Authority for Elections has confirmed this timeline as part of its preparations for the upcoming local polls, providing clarity and certainty for all stakeholders. This date marks a significant milestone in the nation's democratic calendar.
The process for convening the electoral body for these elections was initiated through Presidential Decree No. 26-284. This decree formally established the framework for the electorate to participate in selecting representatives for the local assemblies, setting the legal foundation for the entire electoral exercise.
The legal foundation governing these elections is primarily laid out in Order No. 21-01, which contains the Organic Law relating to the election system. This foundational document outlines the core principles and procedures for the nation's electoral processes, providing a full guide for the conduct of fair and transparent elections.
Further legislative developments have refined the electoral system. Organic Law No. 26-05, dated April 4, 2026, was enacted to amend and supplement Order No. 21-01. This recent law introduces modifications and additions to the existing election system, impacting how the 2026 local elections will be conducted and ensuring the legal framework remains current and effective. These legislative updates reflect an ongoing effort to strengthen and adapt the electoral process to contemporary needs.
Contact and Further Information
The National Independent Authority for Elections has specified that the submission of candidate lists will commence on Monday, August 31, 2026. Interested parties can submit their declaration of depositing the list from 08:00 AM until 16:30 PM on the designated start date. This submission process will take place at the headquarters of the provincial coordinator of the Independent Authority, ensuring localized access for all candidates. The Authority has provided clear guidelines regarding the submission process, including the specific timeframe for deposits.
For individuals seeking further clarification or encountering issues, the Authority has provided an official communication channel. Concerns and questions regarding the electoral process or candidacy requirements can be directed via email to [email protected]. The Independent Authority encourages candidates and the public to utilize this address for official inquiries, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accessibility throughout the electoral preparations. This dedicated email address serves as a vital resource for ensuring that all participants are well-informed and supported.
