Andalusia Elections 2026: Juanma Moreno Calls Polls for May 17 as Successor Rumours Begin

It hasn't been just another morning at San Telmo. The regional president, Juanma Moreno, has shaken up the Andalusian political landscape by officially calling the Andalusia elections for May 17. The news, which had been the subject of suspense for weeks, has come as a shock to some circles, though others could already smell a campaign in the air. After a term marked by ups and downs, Moreno has decided to accelerate the timeline and set a date for the vote. It's a masterstroke from the seasoned Andalusian politician, looking to capitalise on the current moment before the natural wear and tear of government takes its toll.

The first thing to be clear about, for anyone still in the dark, is that this isn't a dress rehearsal. We're talking about Spain's most populous region, a historic stronghold that has always been the barometer of national politics. So, if you were thinking of making plans for that weekend, you might want to keep your diary free. And if you're the type who needs a guide to the Andalusia elections to stay on top of things, let me break down the key points. The dissolution decree is already underway, meaning the parties are under the pump. In less than two months, on May 17, the 109 members of the Andalusian Parliament will be elected. No more, no less.

Moreno's move is a textbook gamble. From what I've been following over the past few months, the president has been gearing up for this for a while. It's no coincidence that the announcement comes right now, in March. The review of the latest internal polls—the ones no one shows but everyone has—must have indicated that the PP can either hold on to or even improve its results. But pay attention, it's not just about voting for the president. This is a full review of the Andalusian elections: what's at stake isn't just the regional government, but the power play between the central government in Moncloa and the right. If the PP flexes its muscles in Andalusia, it becomes the battering ram against Pedro Sánchez. And if the socialists manage a comeback, even just to secure second place, the national political map will do a 180-degree spin.

How to use your vote in these elections: The savvy Andalusian's handbook

Alright, we know when. But how does this work? If you're from Andalusia or have lived here for years, you'll know the process is practically sacred. But if it's your first time, or you want a refresher because it's been a while since you last voted, let me explain how to make the Andalusia elections work for you. I'm not talking about who to vote for—that's your call—but the practical steps so May 17 doesn't catch you off guard.

• Check the electoral roll: From April 7, the official lists will be on display at town halls and online. Make sure you're listed at your usual polling station. If not, you'll need to lodge a claim in time.
• Postal vote: If you're thinking of getting out of town that weekend (can't blame you), the deadline to apply for a postal vote opens next week. Best get onto it quickly, otherwise the queues at the post office are a nightmare.
• Get informed, but wisely: Misinformation is rampant. Stick to reliable sources. Don't fall for any random WhatsApp rumour. On social media, you'll see everything—from old videos passed off as new to dodgy polls cooked up in back rooms. Be careful.
• Campaign silence period: On Saturday, May 16, it's quiet. No more rallies, no flyers in the letterbox. It's a day to reflect and, if you like, head to the beach to clear your head.

The writing is on the wall: Juanma Moreno is going all out for re-election. But there's more to it than that. I've been covering Andalusian politics for too long not to notice the details. The president called the elections on his own, without even giving his preferred coalition partners a heads-up. That solitude in the announcement speaks volumes. And what catches my attention most is how, within hours, whispers start in the parliamentary corridors about who might take his place if things go wrong (or even if they go well and he makes a leap to Madrid). Andalusian politics never ceases to be a fascinating soap opera.

For those of us on the ground day-to-day, this snap election is a poisoned chalice. Journalists have already started booking leave in May... only to cancel it. But beyond our profession, the important thing is that the voters have their say. In these Andalusia elections, it's not just about who runs the regional government. It's about whether the national trend solidifies or if the PSOE can regain its footing in its historic vote bank. May 17 is circled in red. You can start thinking now whether you want to stick with the same pilot or change course. The official campaign will kick off in less than a month, but the dirty war—the one you don't see—started this very morning.

So there you have it. If someone asks you how you're going with the Andalusia elections, you can tell them you've got the definitive guide under your arm. Now it's time to wait for the posters, the promises, the rallies, and above all, the big unknown: how many undecided voters will tip the balance in a region that always knows how to spring a surprise?