Opposition leader declared winner of Somaliland presidential election
Somaliland’s electoral commission declared on Tuesday that the opposition leader won the region’s election, which took place last week.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party secured over 50% of the votes cast. Notably, Abdullahi, 69, served as the speaker of Somaliland’s parliament in 2005.
Kenya’s Catholic Church Rejects President’s $40K Donation
The opposition party ran on a platform of promoting democratic values and social solidarity, promising economic revitalization and solutions to youth joblessness.
President Muse Bihi Abdi, who sought a second term after seven years leading the ruling Kulmiye Party, garnered just over 30% of the vote. He prioritized Somaliland’s international recognition during his tenure.
Since 2022, the election has been delayed twice, primarily due to insufficient funding and other factors.
In the aftermath of its 1991 independence declaration from Somalia amidst conflict, Somaliland has remarkably maintained its sovereign government, currency, and security structures, despite international non-recognition, and concurrently established a stable political environment in stark contrast to Somalia’s prolonged security difficulties.
