Somaliland’s opposition leader, Abdirahman Cirro, has been declared winner of the presidential poll in Somalia’s breakaway region.
Local media reported on Tuesday that Cirro secured 64 percent of the vote, with over one million voters participating across polling stations throughout the region.
Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi, who was seeking a second term, received 35 percent of the vote in the elections held last week.
Following his victory, Abdirahman Cirro aims not only to advocate for Somaliland’s international recognition but also to implement significant democratic reforms within the nation.
Despite lacking global recognition, Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, and security structures, although this status has limited its access to international finance.
After a successful election period, Somaliland is now experiencing rising tensions with Mogadishu over a deal that grants landlocked Ethiopia access to the Indian Ocean in exchange for political recognition of Somaliland.
Since breaking away from politically unstable Somalia, Somaliland has successfully established and managed its own government, currency, and security structures. Upon its successful management the state organized its fourth presidential election since its break away three decades ago.
