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

This was no ordinary 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 awaited with some suspense for weeks, has caught some circles off guard, though others could already smell the campaign in the air. After a term that has had its ups and downs, Moreno has decided to move up the timetable and set a date for the trip to the ballot box. It's a masterstroke from the seasoned Andalusian politician, looking to capitalise on the current moment before the inevitable wear and tear of governing takes its toll.

First things first, for anyone still a bit lost: this is no trial run. We're talking about Spain's most populous region, a historical stronghold that has always served as a barometer for national politics. So if you were thinking of making plans for that weekend, you might want to keep your calendar clear. And if you're the type who needs a guide to the Andalusia elections to stay on top of things, here are the key points. The dissolution decree is already in motion, which means the parties are up against the clock. 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 high-stakes gamble. From what I've been following these past few months, the president has been warming up the engines 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 hold on to or even improve its results. But hold on, it's not just the president being voted on here. 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 bounce back, even as the second force, the national political map will do a 180-degree turn.

How to Cast Your Vote in These Elections: A Guide for the Savvy Andalusian

Alright, so we know when. But how does this work? If you're Andalusian or have lived here for years, you know the process is practically sacred. But if this is your first time, or you need a refresher because it's been a while, here's 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 to ensure you're not caught off guard on May 17.

• Check the electoral roll: From April 7, the official lists will be posted at town halls and online. Make sure you appear 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 who could blame you), the deadline to request a postal vote opens next week. Get on it quickly; the queues at the post office get endless.
• Get informed, but be smart about it: Misinformation is the order of the day. Stick to reliable sources. Not every WhatsApp forward is worth your time. You'll see all sorts of things on social media, from old videos presented as new to polls cooked up behind closed doors. Be careful.
• Reflection day: Saturday, May 16 – silence. No more rallies, no more leaflets in the 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 for re-election, legitimately. But there's more to this than meets the eye. I've covered Andalusian politics for too long not to notice the details. The president called the elections unilaterally, without even giving his preferred coalition partners a heads-up. That solitude when making the announcement speaks volumes. And what really grabs my attention is how, within hours, whispers in the parliamentary corridors have started about who could take his place if things go south (or even if they go well and he makes the jump to Madrid). Andalusian politics never ceases to be a fascinating political soap opera.

For those of us living this day-to-day, this snap election is a poisoned chalice. Journalists have already started requesting leave in May… only to cancel it. But beyond our profession, the important thing is that the people have the floor. These Andalusia elections will decide not only who governs the region. They will decide whether the national trend solidifies or if the PSOE can regain its footing in its historic vote bank. May 17 is marked in red. You can start thinking now if you want to stick with the same captain 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 anyone asks how you're doing with the Andalusia elections, you can tell them you've got the ultimate guide under your arm. Now it's time to wait 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 knows how to spring a surprise?