Tuesday November 19, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland’s opposition candidate, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has been elected as the breakaway region’s next President, the electoral commission announced Tuesday in preliminary results.
Irro, leader of the Waddani party, won 64% of the vote against Bihi's 35%, the Somaliland Electoral Commission announced.
The commission also declared that the Waddani, Kaah, and
Kulmiye parties emerged as the region’s three recognized political
parties, while the UCID party failed to retain its status.
The Supreme Court of Somaliland is expected to announce the official results in the coming days.
The election outcome was heavily influenced by recent controversial policies under Muse Bihi’s administration, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia that granted potential sea access to Ethiopia in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty. The agreement sparked widespread criticism, with Somalia’s federal government condemning it as a violation of its territorial integrity.
Also, the ongoing conflict in Las Anod has further fueled dissatisfaction with Muse Bihi’s leadership, contributing to the shift in political dynamics.
Abdirahman Irro’s victory signals a potential shift in Somaliland’s domestic and regional policies as the region continues its quest for international recognition.