MOGADISHU, Somalia — The opposition leader in Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland was declared winner on Tuesday in last week's election that gave a boost for the region's push for international recognition.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a descent into conflict and has since sustained its own government, currency and security structures despite not being recognized by any country in the world.
Over the years, it built a stable political environment, contrasting sharply with Somalia's ongoing struggles with insecurity.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the main opposition Waddani Party received more than 50% of the votes, defeating President Muse Bihi Abdi who sought a second term after seven years in office, the electoral commission said.
Abdullahi, 69, had served as Somaliland's parliament speaker in 2005 and hinged his campaign on democratic and economic reforms in the region whose development has been stifled by the lack of global recognition.
The election was delayed twice since 2022 for lack of funding.
''This result and especially the credible electoral process resulting in a peaceful transfer of power will consolidate Somaliland's reputation as one of the more stable democracies in the Horn of Africa,'' said Murithi Mutiga, program director for Africa at the Crisis Group.
Abdullahi's win will see to the end of the tenure of Abdi, who pushed for Somaliland to be recognized by countries around the world but secured just over 30% of the votes cast.
