File Photo/Somali Times
In a peaceful election process in Somaliland on Wednesday, preliminary results from the Somaliland presidential election show opposition candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro of the Waddani party with a clear lead over incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi.
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With nearly 75% of votes counted, representing about 70% of polling stations across the country, including the capital Hargeisa, Abdirahman Irro received 285,000 votes (63.84%), while incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi received 158,000 votes (35.4%). Third-place candidate Faysal Ali Waraabe of the UCID party received 3,000 votes (0.7%).
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The election witnessed a lower than expected turnout, with only 680,000 votes cast out of 1.2 million eligible voters. Despite the moderate turnout, election officials reported that the process was peaceful and orderly.
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The electoral commission is expected to announce the official results within seven days of election day. Current counting shows Abdirahman Cirro holding a steady lead of 127,000 votes.
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In the parallel competition of political parties, preliminary results show.
Waddani Party received 124,384 votes
KAAH received 67,020 votes
KULMIYE Party received 65,597 votes
Horseed 49,705 votes
Hillaac 28,107 votes
It is likely that KAAH will replace UCID, which failed to win any votes in this election.
This election marked a major change in the political landscape of Somaliland, with presidential candidates from the three national parties (Waddani, Kulmiye, UCID) and seven new political parties competing: Barwaaqo, Talo Wadaag, Rajo, Shabaaka, Kaah, Hillaac, and Horseed, and KAAH has now emerged. The elections for political parties in Somaliland are held every 10 years, the last being in 2012.