Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as “Irro,” leader of the Waddani National Party, has secured victory in Somaliland’s presidential election.
Election results released today showed Irro garnered 63.92 percent of the vote, signaling a desire for change in the breakaway region.
Outgoing President Muse Bihi of the Kulmiye party received 34.81 percent.
Irro, a former speaker of Somaliland’s parliament and one-time Finnish citizen, is set to be sworn in next month.
His win comes amid heightened regional tensions following Somaliland’s maritime agreement with Ethiopia, which has deeply angered Somalia.
International observers lauded the November 13th poll as a testament to Somaliland’s peaceful democratic process.
In his victory speech, Irro called for national unity and development. While offering few specific policy shifts, he pledged to be a more unifying figure than his predecessor.
The decades-long pursuit of international recognition for Somaliland is expected to be a key priority for Irro’s administration.
Congratulations have been extended by Ethiopia and Somalia, with the latter expressing interest in continued reconciliation talks.