MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s political landscape has entered a potentially important new phase after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly agreed to hold elections within seven months.

The reported agreement follows prolonged disagreements between the federal government and opposition groups over the timing and format of Somalia’s next elections.

The electoral dispute has become one of the country’s most significant political challenges, with rival political groups demanding a clear and broadly accepted process for the next vote. International partners have also encouraged Somali leaders to reach a time-bound political agreement rather than allow the transition to remain open-ended.

A seven-month timetable could provide a potential roadmap toward resolving the electoral impasse, although major questions about the election system, political participation and implementation still need to be addressed.

The disagreement has also involved Somalia’s federal states and opposition coalitions, making political consensus particularly important if the proposed timetable is to succeed.

For Somali voters, the development could signal a return toward a more predictable electoral process after months of uncertainty.

The coming months will be crucial for turning the reported political understanding into a detailed and credible election roadmap.