An electoral calendar is two things at once: the state's roadmap and a to-do list for every voter. The CEP's current calendar puts the first national vote on December 13, 2026, followed by a second round and territorial elections on February 21, 2027. Between those two dates come campaigning, voting, counting, preliminary results and challenges. Here is the timeline — and the few dates that actually require something from you.
In short
Two dates anchor the cycle: December 13, 2026, for the first round of the presidential and legislative elections and the popular vote on proposed constitutional changes; and February 21, 2027, for the second round where required and elections for territorial collectivities. For voters, the most important milestones are registration by the applicable deadline, checking the electoral list and voting center when the lists are published, and showing up on election day — potentially on both dates. The CEP explicitly warns that the timetable depends on an acceptable security climate and the availability of the necessary financial resources.
The full timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Civic education campaign | Feb 1, 2026 → Mar 17, 2027 |
| Voter registration | Jul 20 → Oct 13, 2026 |
| Political party registration | Aug 10 → 14, 2026 |
| Candidate registration | Aug 20 → Oct 2, 2026 |
| Official campaign period | Oct 5 → Dec 12, 2026 |
| Electoral lists published | Nov 13, 2026 |
| First round — presidential and legislative elections + popular vote on proposed constitutional changes | Dec 13, 2026 |
| Vote counting / tabulation | Dec 13 → 15, 2026 |
| Preliminary results — first round | Dec 22, 2026 |
| Challenges / electoral litigation | After publication of preliminary results |
| Final results — first round | Jan 9, 2027 |
| Second round + territorial elections | Feb 21, 2027 |
| Preliminary results — second round | Feb 22, 2027 |
| Challenges / electoral litigation | Feb 22 → Mar 6, 2027 |
| Final results — presidential and legislative elections | Mar 7, 2027 |
| Final results — territorial elections | Mar 12, 2027 |
The dates that matter to you
- By October 13, 2026: make sure you have completed voter registration according to the CEP's registration schedule. Registration requires a valid CIN.
- November 13, 2026: the electoral lists are scheduled to be published. Check that your name appears and verify your assigned voting center as soon as the lists become available.
- December 13, 2026: vote in the presidential and legislative first round and participate in the popular vote on the proposed constitutional changes.
- February 21, 2027: return to vote if a national runoff concerns your race, and vote in the territorial elections taking place that day.
What happens between the two election days?
The two election dates are separated by much more than a few weeks. After the December vote, ballots are counted and preliminary results are published. Candidates and political actors then have access to the legal challenge process before final results are proclaimed. Where a presidential or legislative race has not been decided in the first round, the qualifying candidates return to voters on February 21.
February 21 is also the first and only election day for the territorial races in this cycle. That means the second date combines two different things: national runoffs where necessary, and the first round of local elections.
Why the calendar can still move
The CEP's own publication includes an important condition: implementation of the timetable depends on establishing an acceptable security climate and securing the financial resources necessary to conduct the electoral operations. That caveat is part of the official calendar and should not be buried in the fine print.
The current calendar also represents a revision of an earlier timetable. The first round had previously been contemplated for August 30, 2026 before the CEP moved the national vote to December 13. The lesson for voters is simple: know the current date, but always verify it against the CEP's latest official communication.
How to read the results dates
Election day is not the same thing as final results day. Preliminary results are announced first; they can then be challenged through the electoral dispute process. Final results come later, after those procedures have been completed. This is why the December 13 vote does not produce final results that same evening.
What it changes in your daily life
Most of this calendar is the CEP's work, not yours. Your part is simpler: register, verify your information, know where you vote, and show up on the dates that apply to your races. December 13 is the first major vote. February 21 may be your second. And if a date changes, do not rely on an old screenshot, post or message — check the CEP's latest official calendar first.