Former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the presidency again in the third round voting by parliamentarians on Sunday in Mogadishu.
The 66-year-old, who ruled between 2012-17 beat incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo by 214-110 votes in a tense election. He was sworn in soon thereafter by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Bashe Yusuf Ahmed.
This came after Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and former Prime Minister Mohamed Khaire, who was fired by Farmaajo by instigating a vote of no confidence, ganged up to back Sheikh Mohamud.
“We have to move ahead, we do not need grudges. No avenging,” Mohamud said in his acceptance speech from the airport compound in the capital patrolled by African Union peacekeepers.
“Let’s work together for the benefit of our people and country,” he added.
Farmaajo conceded by saying, “Thanks to Allah for allowing us to complete our election tonight. I thank those who voted for me and those who voted against me. I want to welcome my brother, the new president. I I urge all my fellow citizens to support and pray for his success. Congratulations.”
During the first round of voting, blasts from mortar shells suspected to be from Al Shabaab rang out near the venue but did not disrupt proceedings.
Deni was in the lead in the first round, while Farmaajo finished second and Mohamud third, with Khaire concluding the list of four that proceeded to the second round.
Mohamud and Farmaajo finished first and second in the second round voting respectively, while Deni and Khaire finished third and fourth in the second round.
Mohamud got 110 votes, Farmaajo 83, Deni 68 Hassan and Khaire. Some 329 votes were cast, five got voided.
Deni , who is named as a potential Prime Minister, and Khaire backed Mohamud to defeat the incumbent in the third and final round of voting. The winner needed a simple majority.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu congratulated Mohamud on his election as President.
Gebeyehu in a statement on Monday said Mohamud’s victory, earning him a second stint in the office of the President of Somalia, is a clear testimony of the trust and confidence that the people of Somalia have in his leadership qualities.
““IGAD, including its Organs and Institutions, pledge their continued support and look forward to working with you to deliver on your national priorities, and promote regional integration and development”, Gebeyehu said in his message.
The Executive Secretary also commended former President Farmaajo for “preserving the country’s emerging democratic tradition and facilitating a smooth handover to the new President”.
Mohamud now faces the task of uniting the people of Somalia after the protracted and divisive political process, the drought and the Al Shabaab menace.
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