Opposition Leader Abdirahman Irro Wins Somaliland Election, Defeating Incumbent

Nov 19, 2024, 07:30 AM

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi 'Irro', also known as Abdirahman Cirro, the opposition leader and presidential candidate of the Waddani Party, has been declared the winner of Somaliland's presidential election, defeating incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi. The electoral commission, chaired by Muse Hassan Yusuf, announced that Irro won last week's election, which was deemed free and fair, marking a significant leadership change in the semi-autonomous region. The victory is seen as a demonstration of Somaliland's competent electoral system and the democratic aspirations of its people as it pushes for global recognition. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia congratulated Irro and Vice President Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi, praising the Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye parties, and reaffirming Somalia's commitment to reconciliation talks.