Andalusia Elections 2026: Juanma Moreno Calls Polls for 17 May, Successor Speculation Begins

It wasn't just another morning at San Telmo. The regional president, Juanma Moreno, has shaken up the Andalusian political landscape by officially calling elections in Andalusia for 17 May. The news, which had been anticipated with some suspense for weeks, has come as a cold shower in some circles, though others could already smell the campaign in the air. After a term marked by ups and downs, Moreno has decided to speed things up and set a date for the trip to the polls. It's a masterstroke from the seasoned Andalusian politician, who is looking to capitalise on the current moment before the natural wear and tear of governing starts to take its toll.

The first thing to be clear about, for those who are still a bit lost, is that this is not a dress rehearsal. We're talking about Spain's most populous region, a historic stronghold that has always been the bellwether for national politics. So, if you were thinking of making plans for that weekend, you can start clearing your diary. And if you're the sort who needs a guide to the Andalusia elections to keep on top of things, let me break down the key points. The dissolution decree is already in motion, which means the parties are up against it. In less than two months, on 17 May, 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 these last few months, the president has been gearing up for a while. It's no coincidence that the election call comes right now, in March. The review of the latest internal polling – the kind no one shows but everyone uses – must suggest the PP can hold onto, or even improve, their results. But pay attention, because it's not just the president on the ballot. This is a full 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 the battering ram against Pedro Sánchez. And if the Socialists manage a comeback, even as the second-largest force, the national political map will be turned on its head.

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

Right, we know the when. But how does it actually work? If you're from Andalusia or have lived here for years, you'll know the process is almost sacred. But if it's your first time, or you need a reminder because you haven't voted in a while, 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 you're not caught off guard on 17 May.

• Check the electoral roll: From 7 April, the official lists will be available at town halls and online. Make sure you're listed for your usual polling station. If not, you'll need to lodge an appeal in time.
• Vote by mail: If you're thinking of escaping the city that weekend (and I wouldn't blame you), the deadline to request a postal vote opens next week. Get a move on – the queues at the post office are always endless.
• Get informed, but be savvy: Misinformation is the order of the day. Seek out reliable sources. Don't fall for every WhatsApp rumour. You'll see all sorts on social media, from old videos presented as new to polls cooked up in some backroom. Be careful.
• Reflection day: Saturday 16 May is a day of silence. No more rallies, no more flyers through the door. It's a day to think and, if you fancy, to head to the beach to clear your head.

The writing on the wall is clear: Juanma Moreno is going for re-election, hook, line and sinker. But there are deeper layers to this. I've been covering Andalusian politics for too long not to notice the details. The president has called the elections alone, without even tipping off his preferred coalition partners. That solitude in the announcement speaks volumes. And what strikes me most is how, within hours, whispers in the parliamentary corridors have already started about who might take his place if things go south (or even if they go well and he jumps to Madrid). Andalusian politics never fails 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 holiday in May... only to cancel them. But beyond the profession, the important thing is that the voters now have their say. These Andalusia elections will decide not only who governs the region. They'll decide whether the national trend is cemented or if the PSOE can regain its footing in its historical vote bank. 17 May is marked in red on the calendar. You can start thinking now whether you want to stick with the same pilot or prefer to change course. The official campaign starts 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 how you're coping with the Andalusia elections, you can tell them you've got the definitive guide under your arm. Now it's a waiting game for the posters, the promises, the rallies, and above all, the big unknown: how many undecided voters will tip the scales in a region that always knows how to spring a surprise?