Andalusia Elections 2026: Juanma Moreno Calls the Vote for 17 May, and Succession Talk Has Already Begun

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 17 May. The news, which has been the subject of speculation for weeks, has come as a shock in some circles, even if others could already smell a campaign in the air. After a term with its ups and downs, Moreno has decided to speed things up and set a date for the ballot. It's the veteran politician's masterstroke as he looks to capitalise on the current moment before the inevitable wear and tear of government takes its toll.

First things first, for anyone still playing catch-up: this is no dress rehearsal. We're talking about Spain's most populous region, a historic 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 need a guide to the elections in Andalusia to stay on top of things, here are the key points. The dissolution decree is already in motion, meaning the parties are under serious pressure. 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 classic high-stakes gamble. From what I've been following these past few months, the president has been revving his engine for a while. It's no coincidence that the announcement comes right now, in March. A review of the latest internal polling – the kind no one shows but everyone has access to – must have suggested the PP could hold onto, or even improve, its results. But hold on, 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 play 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 just to finish as the second-largest force, the national political map will be turned on its head.

How to make your vote count in this election: a guide for savvy Andalusians

Right, we know the when. But how does it all 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 need 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'm not talking about 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 posted at local town halls and online. Make sure you're registered at your usual polling station. If not, you'll need to lodge a claim in time.
• Vote by mail: If you're thinking of getting out of town that weekend (no judgment here), the application period for postal voting opens next week. Don't dawdle – the queues at the post office get ridiculously long.
• Stay informed, but be savvy: Misinformation is everywhere these days. Stick to reliable sources. Don't fall for just any WhatsApp rumour. You'll see all sorts on social media, from old videos being passed off as new to dodgy polls cooked up behind closed doors. Be careful.
• Reflection day: Saturday 16 May: silence. No more rallies, no more flyers in your letterbox. It's a day to reflect and, if you like, to head to the beach and clear your head.

The name on everyone's lips is clear: Juanma Moreno is going for re-election, by the book. But there's more to this story. I've covered Andalusian politics for too long not to pay attention to the details. The president called the election unilaterally, without even giving his preferred coalition partners a heads-up. That solitude at the announcement says a lot. And what really grabs my attention is how, within hours, whispers in the parliamentary corridors have already turned to who might take his place if things go south (or even if they go well and he makes the leap to Madrid). Andalusian politics is always a fascinating soap opera.

For those of us in the thick of it day to day, this early election call 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 citizens now have their say. These elections in Andalusia aren't just about who runs the regional government. They're about whether the national trend consolidates, or whether the PSOE can regain its footing in its historic heartland. 17 May is marked in red. Time to start thinking 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 anyone asks how you're getting on with 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 unknown: how many undecided voters will tip the balance in a region that always knows how to spring a surprise?