Andalusia Elections 2026: Juanma Moreno Calls the Vote for May 17, and a Successor’s Name Is Already Being Whispered

It hasn't been just any morning at San Telmo. The regional president, Juanma Moreno, has shaken up the Andalusian political landscape by officially calling elections in Andalusia for next May 17. The news, anticipated with some suspense for weeks, has landed like a bucket of cold water in some circles, though others could already smell the campaign in the air. After a term that has had its ups and downs, Moreno has decided to accelerate the timeline and set a date for the trip to the polls. It's a masterstroke from the seasoned Andalusian politician, looking to capitalize on the current moment before the natural wear and tear of government takes its toll.

The first thing to make clear, for anyone still a bit out of the loop, is that this is no dress rehearsal. We're talking about Spain's most populous region, a historical stronghold that has always been the bellwether of national politics. So, if you were thinking about making plans for that weekend, you might want to clear your calendar. And if you're someone who needs a guide to the elections in Andalusia to stay on top of things, let me break down the key points. The dissolution decree is already in motion, which means the parties are already up against it. 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 gambit. From what I've been following these past few months, the president has been gearing up for this for a while. It's no coincidence that the call comes right now, in March. The review of the latest internal polls—the ones no one shows but everyone works with—must have indicated that the PP can hold onto or even improve its results. But pay attention, because this isn't just about voting for the president. This is a complete review of the Andalusian elections: what's at stake isn't just the regional government, but the power struggle between Moncloa and the right. If the PP flexes its muscles in Andalusia, it becomes a battering ram against Pedro Sánchez. And if the Socialists manage to make a comeback, even if it's just as the second force, the national political map will do a 180.

How to make your vote count in these elections: A guide for savvy Andalusians

Okay, we know when. But how does this work? If you're from Andalusia or have lived here for years, you know the drill 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 use the Andalusia elections to your advantage. I don't mean who to vote for—that's your call—but the practical steps so that May 17 doesn't catch you off guard.

• Check the voter roll: Starting April 7, the official lists will be posted at town halls and online. Make sure you're listed at your usual polling station. If not, you'll need to file a claim in time.
• Vote by mail: If you're thinking of getting out of town that weekend (and I wouldn't blame you), the application period for voting by mail opens next week. Get on it fast, because the lines at the post office can be brutal.
• Get informed, but wisely: Misinformation is the order of the day. Stick to reliable sources. Don't fall for just any WhatsApp rumour. You'll see all sorts of things on social media, from old videos passed off as new to polls cooked up behind closed doors. Be careful.
• Reflection day: Saturday, May 16, is a day of silence. No more rallies, no more flyers in your mailbox. It's a day to think and, if you feel like it, to head to the beach to clear your head.

The writing on the wall is clear: Juanma Moreno is going all out for reelection. But there are more layers to this. I've covered Andalusian politics for too many years not to notice the details. The president called the election on his own, without even giving his preferred allies a heads-up. That solitude when announcing it speaks volumes. And what catches my attention most is how, within hours, whispers in the parliamentary halls have already started about who could take his place if things go sideways (or even if they go well and he makes the leap to Madrid). Andalusian politics never fails to be a fascinating drama.

For those of us on the front lines, this early election call is a poisoned gift. Journalists have already started booking vacation days in May... only to cancel them. But beyond our line of work, the important thing is that the citizens have the floor. In these elections in Andalusia, it's not just about who runs the regional government. It's about whether the national trend holds or if the PSOE can regain its footing in its historic stronghold. May 17 is marked in red. You can start thinking now whether you want to stay the course or change direction. 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 anyone asks you how you're handling the Andalusia elections, you can tell them you've got the ultimate guide under your arm. Now it's a waiting game for the posters, the promises, the rallies, and above all, the big question: how many undecided voters will tip the scales in a region that always seems to know how to spring a surprise?